Background
Maria Temming, a physicist, wrote the article under review for Science News. Maria’s many accomplishments include degrees in English and Physics from Elon University. Temming’s article discusses the growing concern about climate change. Glaciers, ice caps, and the ocean-covering ice sheet are melting faster as the effects of global warming worsen (Temming, 2019). According to Temming, human activity is to blame for global warming and climate change, which have long-term effects on biodiversity and quality of life. The article concludes by stating that if people do not work together to combat environmental degradation, the world will continue to feel the effects of climate change and global warming.
Strong and Weak Points About the Topic
The report makes several compelling arguments for why global warming is a problem. While the international community has set a goal of keeping global warming below two degrees Celsius by the end of the twentieth century, the progress toward this goal is slow. Global warming has reached four degrees Celsius, and if current land degradation and pollution trends continue, this figure could rise even further (Temming, 2019). Coastal residents are at risk due to a 0.45-millimeter to 0.77-millimeter rise in sea level caused by glacial melt. The increase could be nine to twenty millimeters higher if glaciers are involved. The significance of the article is implicit in its goal of educating the reader about environmental issues. The melting glaciers, rising sea levels, and rising temperatures worldwide demonstrate the severity of the climate change situation.
One of the arguments with weaknesses is the assumption that white ice is required to reflect sunlight and keep the Arctic from becoming too hot. The author claims assistance from an unknown author, but no evidence is provided. The author also emphasizes the possibility of ocean acidification. He believes that the inability of some microbes to survive in acidic environments may have ramifications for their natural habitats. Even if this is correct, it undermines an otherwise compelling argument. When water becomes more acidic, it indicates a more serious problem, such as a lack of potable water.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Arguments for Global Warming
The author does not focus on arguments for but against global warming. However, some points he makes seem to support global warming to some extent. According to Temming (2019), glacier flow would peak before the end of the century regardless of greenhouse gas emissions, affecting water availability for future generations. The author argues that glacial runoff will occur even if global warming is excluded as a cause. As a result, attributing all problems solely to climate change would be unjust. The strength of the point is that Temming shows that global warming is a product of many collaborating factors. Henceforth, people should be careful to avoid activities that harm the environment. On the other side, the point seems weak because activities other than emissions do not have much impact on the environment. They only contribute a small percentage and should not be an issue when discussing global warming.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Arguments against Global Warming
Temming’s arguments against climate change are well-reasoned and supported by evidence, so he appears to have a strong case. The author summarizes current environmental issues that endanger human health in this brief publication. He notes that to halt environmental degradation, it is now more important than ever to develop solutions to climate change and global warming. If current trends continue, the United Nations predicts severe water scarcity and a decline in food security for people worldwide. The article supports important global environmental issues, such as the need to develop and implement environmentally friendly regulations to restore the environment’s beauty and value. This article is an excellent resource for learning about how climate change affects people’s daily lives. Despite its lack of suggestions, this article makes it abundantly clear that strict enforcement of environmental standards is critical if global environmental groups are to succeed in preventing further environmental damage. The weakness may be in some areas where the author does not support arguments with sources. He mentions some points and gives credit to unknown authors, which might lead to questioning some points.
Points Based on Emotion or Logic
The article’s points are based primarily on logic, explaining the seriousness of the impacts of global warming. The author considers findings from different articles to get facts and then lays arguments systematically. He starts with the significant impacts of global warming and ends with weaker points. The logic in the article is shown by the two main approaches taken by the author. He seeks to understand what individuals are doing to adapt to a warming world and what steps they have taken to lessen the effects of climate change and global warming.
Credibility and Self-Reflection
The article uses credible sources of information, including reports by the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the World Meteorological Organization. These sources have updated information about climate and changes in weather for almost all regions of the world. They provide accurate data about global warming and measures to compact the problem. The article did not change my mind about global warming because I already understand the associated dangers. However, it increases my interest in current measures being taken and how the problem of global warming can be solved. The article has made me realize that the world is deep in the problem of global warming, and humans will suffer the consequences. The only thing possible is to change to minimize the impacts of global warming in the coming years.
Reference
Temming, M. (2019). How climate change is already altering oceans and ice, and what’s to come. Science News. Web.