Essay Draft

Josue Robinson

CRT 100

Professor. Barnes

04/5/23

Draft

Climate change is a complex and multifaceted issue that is widely recognized as one of the greatest challenges facing our planet. The scientific consensus on the reality of human-caused climate change is overwhelming, with thousands of studies and reports providing evidence of rising global temperatures, changing weather patterns, and other impacts. The articles by Val Ellicott, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Earth Talk, and Sarah Glazer provide valuable insights into the effects of climate change on different aspects of the natural world and human societies. However, there are also those who argue that the evidence for human-caused climate change is not strong enough to justify drastic policy interventions.

One article that challenges the scientific consensus on climate change is “The Climate Change Delusion” by David Siegel. Siegel argues that the scientific evidence for human-caused climate change is weak, and that the models used to predict future warming are unreliable. He also suggests that the emphasis on climate change as a major policy issue is driven by political and ideological factors rather than scientific evidence.

While it is important to consider different perspectives and engage in thoughtful debate, it is essential to critically evaluate the evidence presented in such articles. Siegel’s arguments have been thoroughly debunked by climate scientists and other experts in the field, who point to the overwhelming body of evidence supporting the reality of human-caused climate change. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a global organization of climate scientists and policymakers, has repeatedly warned of the dangers of climate change and called for urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming.

On the other hand, the articles by Ellicott, IFAW, Earth Talk, and Glazer provide compelling evidence of the devastating effects of climate change on human and non-human communities around the world. For example, Ellicott’s article “Will some regions soon become uninhabitable?” discusses how rising temperatures and extreme weather events are already affecting vulnerable populations in parts of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, and how these impacts are expected to worsen in the coming decades. The IFAW article “The Impact of Climate Change on Animals” highlights how global warming is affecting wildlife species across the globe, from polar bears in the Arctic to coral reefs in the tropics. Earth Talk’s article “The Effects of Global Warming on Wildlife” discusses the impacts of climate change on migratory birds, marine mammals, and other species, and how these effects are disrupting entire ecosystems. Finally, Glazer’s article “Can they be saved from extinction?” examines the role of zoos and conservation organizations in protecting endangered species from the effects of climate change.

Taken together, these articles paint a vivid picture of the urgent need for comprehensive, evidence-based policies and practices to address climate change and protect biodiversity. Rising temperatures, changing weather patterns, and sea level rise are already causing mass migrations, displacements, and extinctions, and the consequences could be far more severe if we fail to act. These articles underscore the importance of taking a holistic approach to environmental protection that considers both human and non-human impacts, and that recognizes the interconnectedness of all life on our planet.

In conclusion, while there may be opposing viewpoints on the issue of climate change, the scientific evidence overwhelmingly supports the reality of human-caused global warming and the urgent need for action. The articles by Ellicott, IFAW, Earth Talk, and Glazer provide valuable insights into the effects of climate change on different aspects of the natural world and human societies, and underscore the importance of taking a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to environmental protection.