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... in their distribution. There should be a mandated Fossil Fuel Efficiency Standard that would be applied to every generator of electricity in the country. It would set a "nationwide allowance for the average fossil fuel used per unit of energy produced and would also include a schedule of cutting fossil allowances in half over the next twenty years" (213). Afterwards, each year the allowance for fossil fuel to be used would be less from the year before.
The companies would be forced to increase the efficiency of existing generators, close down the least efficient fossil fuel based generators, and try find new fossil generation that more efficient than the standard. Otherwise, they should be prepared to pay fines for noncompliance with the standard. Most of the population wants to save money and they take for granted that conserving energy could actually benefit them. In order to help push them towards conservation, they should be given tax credits.
Not only will they be saving on their monthly bill, but they will also be getting an award for helping preserve their environment. The government wont have to be sacrificing large amounts of money in tax credits. Just the fact they are taking action by paying instead of getting paid, it will make a difference with the public. Many people do not understand what is at stake, but if the government is willing to set an example by showing how important this issue is by giving tax credits, it shows that global warming is significant enough to reward those who participate in conservation. And last but not least, the government must intervene and steadily increase the motor vehicle economy standard. The population is continually growing which means a growth in automobile sales.
Cars are one of the main sources of carbon dioxide emissions (89). The government must set a standard that the automobile industry must follow, while at the same time helping them continue the search for other fuels and technologies that can rid of the carbon dioxide emissions. They should also allow subsidies to be paid to the companies who engage in developing and promoting new energy efficient technologies. If the companies are given subsidies, it gives them an incentive to find alternative ways to build efficient cars. And at the same time, the standard is in effect to be sure that they conform to the rules, otherwise they will be fined.
Everyone needs to realize that renewable energy and other clean technologies offer the promise of meeting our energy needs. It reduces the amount of smog, acid rain, and global warming pollution. People dont realize that over the past few years the cost of using renewable energy had declined by about 60 %. Despite this drop, people are still not using them, only because they are not aware of the alternatives.
In the U. S. today, solar and wind energy only account for less than 3 % of all electricity used (Sierra Club). Congress has already cut funding for research towards clean energy. Congress needs to get involved again, and create larger funding towards research of renewable, clean energy. The U.
S. is living in the 21 st century and cannot rely on 19 th century fossil fuel technology. The government should help promote safer forms of energy. Hopefully, within years of reintroducing clean energy, people can slowly move away from the past and into the future. Although the majority of scientist agree that the earth is changing, there are those that believe global warming warnings are highly exaggerated. Many people believe global warming comes second to the economy.
The U. S. has agreed to 7 % reduction of carbon dioxide. But many people are complaining that this would result in massive restrictions on energy use and large taxpayer-funded subsidies for new technologies. They need to understand that there needs to be a restriction on energy use. And that at least the tax payers would be paying for something worthwhile, rather than new toilets at the White House.
Many are also saying that global warming is likely to help lead to an increase in vegetation. This is false because, the weather is what is effected by global warming. We have already seen the effects of El Nino on farmers last year, and the effects of La Nina this year. Scientists have predicted that El Nino is only going to get worse with global warming. So, although warmer weather might increase vegetation, the strange weather, year to year, may end up hurting more than helping. Global Warming ought to be a higher priority than what it is now.
Many people today take for granted that our electricity actually comes from dirty, heavily polluting, coal fired power plants. Fossil fuels like oil, coal, and natural gasses account for about 85 % of the fuel use in the Unites States. It is these power plants that let out hundreds of million tons of global warming pollution into our air each year. The pollution contributes to so many problems in our atmosphere, like smog and acid rain. Looking at it from a world point-of-view, fossil fuel power plants produce 60 % of all greenhouse gas emissions.
It is producing the electricity that we depend on so much but it is also causing global warming on our planet. There are alternatives out there to replace the fossil fuels. There are clean, renewable energy from the wind and the sun that can offer non-polluting, economical, and durable alternatives for creating electricity. The most important thing that people also need to remember is that they need to use their electricity conservatively, that in itself can do so much. The government needs to set an example for the public to follow. 1. What are the impacts of Global Warming?
The earths climate is predicted to change because human activities are altering the chemical composition of the atmosphere through the buildup of greenhouse gases primarily carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. The heat-trapping property of these gases is undisputed. Although uncertainty exists about exactly how earths climate responds to these gases, global temperatures are rising. Rising global temperatures are expected to raise sea level, and vary precipitation and other local climate conditions. Changing regional climate could alter forests, crop yields, and water supplies. It could also threaten human health, and harm birds, fish, and many types of ecosystems.
Deserts may expand into existing range lands, and the character of some of our National Parks may be permanently changed. Unfortunately, many of the likely most important impacts depend upon whether rainfall increases or decrease, which can not be reliably projected for specific areas. 2. What makes global warming such an important issue and why should we devote money to funding the prevention of it? Global warming is important because it involves the whole population and their future. Many people dont realize that they are experiencing the effects of global warming now. The recent fads of weather that we have been undergoing, last years El Nino and this years La Nina are examples of the effects from global warming.
And the future isnt any more brighter. America needs to invest in the future. It is for the good of the United States environment, economy, health, and climate to use energy more efficiently to develop clean alternative sources of electricity and to use more efficient methods of transportation. We must begin to look towards a cleaner, healthier future. 3.
At this point in time, what actions are being made to prevent global warming? Today, action is occurring at every level to lessen, to avoid, and to better understand the risks associated with climate change. Many cities and states across the country have prepared greenhouse gas inspections. And they are also starting programs and policies that will result in greenhouse gas emission reductions. On the national level, the U.
S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) coordinates the world's most extensive research effort on climate change (EPA). In addition, the Clinton Administration is also involving the private sector, states, and the local level in partnerships based on a "win-win philosophy and aimed at addressing the challenge of global warming while, at the same time, strengthening the economy" (EPA). And on the global level, countries around the world have shown a firm commitment to toughen international responses to the risks of climate change. The U. S.
is working to strengthen international action and to widen participation under the protection of the Framework Convention on Climate Change (EPA). 4. What makes your policies to impede global warming any better than other ones? The actions that I want to take against global warming are any better than other attempts, but they are the ones I believe will work. There are many extremes, some say, get rid of fossil fuels altogether; while another side might say there is no way there is no way to prevent global warming from occurring without repercussions on the economy.
I dont want extremities, because that is not realistic. The good thing about our government being a democracy is that you dont swing from one side to another, but instead take things slowly enough so that you can think them through. This is the pattern that I want to follow dealing with global warming. I know it cant be taken care of in one day, but over a process of time, we can eliminate what is feasible in our hands.
My policies are just another step in the right direction towards preventing global warming. I have researched the actions in the past and have seen what works and what doesnt. These are the policies I believe can be accomplished within reasonable means. Global warming is not going away, and someone needs to take a stand and make it a priority. 5. So you believe that setting standards on fossil fuels and motor vehicles will make a difference? That is correct, Im not saying that drastic changes are the solution, but gradual ones.
By setting a standard, it subjects the big companies to certain limitations. Setting standards is only one step of many. If the companies can meet the standards, then each year we can continue to lower the standards until new, cleaner energy-efficient technologies are created. There are alternative out there, and they just need to be introduced to the public. It is expected that businesses will burn more coal and emit more pollution than ever as they seek to maximize profits. Im not trying to hinder their profits but just simply drawing a line in the hopes of trying to save our environment.
Rules and laws are created to protect people; by setting standards, Im just trying to protect the environment and the people in it. As an individual, I am attempting to do my part in the fight against global warming. Global warming is real, and the potential damage in the long run to the world far outweighs any present economical issue. People need to realize we need to deal with it now before it becomes too late to do anything at all. Bibliography:
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Research essay sample on Carbon Dioxide Emissions Set An Example
