How Does Climate Change By Michael Pollan And Curtis White

1325 Words3 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Global warming environmental ethics

The two essays by Michael Pollan and Curtis white talk about climate change in regards to the relationship between the environment and human beings. Although the two essays share the same topic, they take the subject and engage the readers in totally different points of views. Pollan’s essay talks about global and ecological responsibility being a personal virtue while Curtis discusses the socio-economic or political issues underlying sustainability (Pollan; White). These two essays are very different in terms of voice; however these pieces of writing are both important for people all over the world to read. Climate change and environmental disasters are a real issue. Just this year, there have been more storms, cyclones, earthquakes and typhoons all over the world. One cannot look at the state of many developing counties where the majority of the population is exposed and vulnerable to the effects of climate change. This issue on developing a viable solution for the problem of anthropogenic gases and global warming is long from being found. Not only this, many people do not want to hear about this issue since they do not think it is real. Unless people have tangible proof that their cars, thermostats and aerosol cans are contributing to climate change, they are not going to give up their lifestyles. By synthesizing the two essays, one can see that there is a need for change and that it is not an issue which should be dealt with in terms of ecological factors or even personal virtue. The social, economic and political factors affecting this problem and the move towards real sustainability should also be a topic that will raise awareness. Pollan’s essay addresses a question most people would ask themselves. Why should anyone both... ... middle of paper ... ...e or limit the effects of global warming will also make a difference (Pollan). We are the ones who create this issue through industrialization. Therefore, we should also be the beings who will find viable solutions. The essay of White addresses the issue on lifestyle change and socio-economic factors. This means that people should know how climate change can affect their personal lives so that they don’t need to ask themselves “why bother?” The earth is billions of years old, and humans only realized the power of fossil fuels in the last century. Knowing what we are doing to the environment should be enough for people to take a stand and reduce their carbon emissions. It’s not just a matter of awareness, it’s about letting people know why they should care on a personal level and on a larger scale. Climate change is real, and most of it is because of human activity.

Show More
Related

  • Sandra Steingraber's 'Despair Not'

    1395 Words  | 3 Pages

    Society portrays the Earth as a resource, a place that provides an abundance of tools that are beneficial to one’s way of living. As time continues on, humanity’s definition of sustainability with the ecosystem becomes minor, meaning that it is not essential to their own lives. Thus, leading to the environment becoming polluted and affecting the human population. These ideas are demonstrated through these four sources: “Despair Not” by Sandra Steingraber, which provides the author’s perspective on the environmental crisis in terms of climate change.

    Read More

  • The Environmental Issue From Hell Rhetorical Analysis

    573 Words  | 2 Pages

    Bill McKibben's "The Environmental Issue from Hell" argues that climate change is a real and dire concern for humanity. His essay deals with the methods and persuasive arguments needed to spur American citizens and the government on to change to more eco-friendly choices. The arguments he proposes are based largely upon emotional appeals calling for empathy and shame, and examples of what in our daily lives is adding to the changes we're seeing in the climate.

    Read More

  • Fiery Future Of Climate Change By Tim Dickinson

    1444 Words  | 3 Pages

    Global warming is a scientific, political, and controversial topic. Some believe it is catastrophic, a slow moving killer hiding in the shadows. Others do not even think twice about it as they race by in a Hummer. Global warming is the gradual increase of temperature throughout different climates. It is caused by the greenhouse gas effect in which greenhouse gases, like methane and carbon dioxide, reflect sunlight back and forth. This reflected ultraviolet light bounces between the earth and the ozone layer and becomes trapped, resulting in a gradual rise of temperature. Over time, the slow rise of temperature causes new climates throughout the globe. The article “What Megablazes Tell Us About the Fiery Future of Climate Change” by Tim Dickinson

    Read More

  • Summary Of Climate Change In California

    531 Words  | 2 Pages

    By using the information found in this book, I will be able to write about the severity of the ongoing issue of climate change. With all the dangerous effects of climate change Kahrl and Roland-Holst point out on just a single state, it becomes clear that other places around the world are experiencing the same. In fact, since Cali...

    Read More

  • What Is Climate Change By Bill Mckibben

    1140 Words  | 3 Pages

    In the article “Global Warming’s Terrifying New Math”, written by Bill Mckibben, he firstly opens up by saying that back in 2012, according to the statistics, we surpassed the global record high for climate temperature in our nation, destroying other previous records. Despite the research and the displaying of data, nobody is doing anything to adress the following issue. Mckibben outlines three distinctive numbers that outline the following issue., 2 degrees celsius, 565 gigations, and 2795 gigtons, which he uses to validitate and support his argument. Firstly, the ongoing problem of climate change in society is fundamentally a matter of individual moral responsibility that is inspired by the insight individuals are intentionally harming the environment. Secondly there is yet to be an effective collective state response to the issue of global warming, despite approaching two full decades of ongoing and reoccuring negotiations and the very near universal participation by states in the UNFCCC. Thirdly, because this issue has been put on hold for longer than it was innitially expected, greenhouse gases are being emitted into our atmosphere, polluting our environment. The South-North issue and an ongoing debate comes into effect as all the greenhouse gases that are created and used in the Northern hemisphere are being emmited into the southern hemisphere. Hence, my thesis is; despite the fact that global warming and climate change has been an ongoing problem globally for years, humanity has failed to resolve thiis issue as it quickly begins to escalate.

    Read More

  • Mayan Climate Change Essay

    1499 Words  | 3 Pages

    In recent decades, the contentious issues surrounding climate change and the corresponding effects it likely exerts upon contemporary civilization has developed to become one of the most pressing areas of concern afflicting humanity (Armstrong, 1). Currently, climate change has started to demonstrate its potentially calamitous consequences upon human subsistence practices, and has even begun to alter the very environments that entire societies reside in, theoretically endangering them in both instances (Armstrong, 1). Though the hindrances inherent in climate change are potentially devastating to the preservation of modern society, the problem of climate change itself is not one that is exclusive to the contemporary era. Rather, the harmful

    Read More

  • Greenhouse Gass: Causes And Effects Of Climate Change

    1216 Words  | 3 Pages

    Climate change is a growing issue with the rise in industrial, commercial, and personal usage of energy. The burning of such things such as oil, coal and natural gases create toxic pollutants called “greenhouse gases.” The largest and most prevalent of greenhouse gases is carbon dioxide. (Overview of Greenhouse Gases). The wasteful history humanity has exhibited is deadly to the progression of our Earth. There are many things humanity can do in order to delay the inevitable warming of our planet and to prevent human-generated effects. Knowledge on the subject can significantly increase the awareness and subsequently improve the outcome of a global effort put forth by society. All that needs to be done, is to recognize our impact and how we can make a difference.

    Read More

  • Climate Change Essay

    1393 Words  | 3 Pages

    Over the course of recent history, much concern has been raised over the industrial revolution and the potential climate changes that it might be causing. It has been stated by global warming theorist that C02 emissions caused by human technologies are causing the world to warm, which will cause negative climate changes. The Earth may be experiencing a global warming trend and climate change; however, the process of climate change is outside of human control because human activity can barely account for any of the C02 level increases. Attempts to reduce human C02 emissions is needlessly expensive, and will have a negligible role in preventing or slowing any climatic changes such as global warming or an impending ice age. People must be prepared to adapt to the climatic changes that occur, because it is unlikely that human intervention will postpone them or limit the impact of their arrival.

    Read More

  • Climate Change and Religion

    1295 Words  | 3 Pages

    This paper will discuss the environmental crisis of climate change. Included will be what climate change is and how it’s affecting the planet. The human spirit is an amazing thing that can withstand many obstacles this paper will discuss the affect climate change is having on the human spirit and how religion can help combat climate change through the awareness of ethical values. Climate change is something that’s occurring right now and the effects will take the planet thousands of years to recover so its critical that action is taken now to ensure a sustainable planet for future generations. Human spirit and the voice of religion may be the key to solving the climate change problem.

    Read More

  • Climate Change Essay

    1818 Words  | 4 Pages

    Climate change, otherwise known as global warming, has grown more apparent in recent years, with increased natural disasters, significantly warmer temperatures and unreasonably long seasons. Global warming is one of the main concerns that scientists have been researching for the past century. Scientific evidence shows that global warming is caused by human behaviors. Due to the amount of human-induced carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that have been released into the air, the earth is becoming a highly poisonous place to live on. Earth’s climate has been constantly changing ever since the Industrial Revolution, when innovations began and factories were built, which emitted mass air pollution. As more technological advances continued the years after, the amount of carbon dioxide in the air also increased. According to the UPI Space Daily News, “Global emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) - the main cause of global warming - increased by 45% between 1990 and 2010, and reached an all-time high of 33 billion tonnes in 2010” (Writers 1). The 1900s through the 2000s is the time period in which humans caused the most air pollution by creating vehicles and other industrial machinery. In the contemporary time period, human activities that contribute to climate change consist of hydraulic fracturing, rice cultivation, the increase of fossil fuel burning, and the rise of deforestation.

    Read More

  • Cause And Effect Of Climate Change

    1405 Words  | 3 Pages

    Currently, scientists are researching how the effects of climate change will impact our lives and the world around us. This paper discusses the effects of climate change and the impact on our world socially, which applies to people’s day to day lives and what they are putting into the environment; politically, which involves laws and regulations that try to keep our environment safe; and environmentally, which concerns the land and the plants and animals that inhabit the various regions.

    Read More

  • The Impact Of Climate Change

    1076 Words  | 3 Pages

    Climate change has been a controversial topic in the last century. When the debate has been raised about the climate change it was not certain that it is going to be serious threat to our world. In this essay the concept of climate change will be defined and how did it change during the last century. In addition, the causes and impacts of climate change will be pointed out briefly to understand the issue. This essay will be focused more in introducing some measures, which have been taken place so far on global level for example the Kyoto Protocol and on local levels as the case in United Kingdom and China, and how accurate are these solutions. Also alternative measures and actions that can help stop the climate change are going to be discussed.

    Read More

  • Impact of Global Warming on Species

    2603 Words  | 6 Pages

    The first part of this essay discusses what the human species has done to deal with the problem of climate change. While some improvements have been made, the problem has not been addressed aggressively enough to stop the damage. What is amazing about this is the denial of so many people that problems exist. If they do realize the risks, they are simply not taking actions to contain the damage.

    Read More

  • Global Warming Is A Global Issue

    1043 Words  | 3 Pages

    ...empts at doing our part. But what is really needed is change at national and global levels. Only by convincing leaders to create laws that improve our energy policy, and pushing companies to adopt sustainable business practices on a global level, can we see real change. (EDF - Environmental Defense Fund , 2015) We need laws, polices, and infringes…..etc. whatever it takes in order to get our CO2 emissions under control. There are plenty of ways to improve on the current state of global warming like limiting global warming pollution, utilizing renewable energy, drive smarter vehicles, or even drive less. However small the action any change in our normal day to day can still help tremendously especially when done by a large number of people. We have to remember that this is the only planet we have and global warming is a global issue that needs to be taken seriously.

    Read More

  • Argumentative Essay On Global Warming

    1167 Words  | 3 Pages

    One of the most substantial problems in the world today is global warming. This gradual warming of the earth is in occurrence at an extremely slow rate but it is happening. Many scientists believe that as human’s work and release greenhouse gases into the earth’s atmosphere, it can become dangerous for the long lasting life of humans and our environment. “Unless we take immediate action, the impacts of global warming will continue to intensify, grow ever more costly and damaging, and increasingly affect the entire planet - including you, your community, and your family” (“Global Warming Impacts”). Everyone should be knowledgeable about global warming and the dangers that it brings to our planet. This essay will examine

    Read More

More about How Does Climate Change By Michael Pollan And Curtis White

Open Document