Problem 1
If you had convincing evidence that at least half of Greenland's glaciers (Core Case Study) were sure to melt during this century, would you argue for taking serious actions now to slow projected climate change? Summarize your arguments for or against such actions.
Problem 2
Suppose someone tells you that carbon dioxide \(\left(\mathrm{CO}_2\right)\) should not be classified as an air pollutant because it is a natural chemical that we add to the atmosphere every time we exhale. Would you consider this to be faulty reasoning? Explain.
Problem 3
China's burning of coal has caused major and growing air pollution problems for the country and for its neighboring nations, and it has contributed to projected climate change. In addition, air pollution generated in China now sometimes spreads across the Pacific Ocean to the west coast of North America. Do you think China is justified in developing its coal resource aggressively as other countries, including the United States, have done? Explain. If you think that China should sharply reduce its dependence on coal, would you also call for the United States to sharply reduce its use of coal? Explain.
Problem 5
Explain why you agree or disagree with IPCC scientists and most of the world's climate scientists that (a) climate change is happening now, (b) human activities are the dominant cause of this climate change, and (c) only action by humans can slow down the rate of climate change and avert or delay its projected harmful environmental, health, and economic effects.
Problem 7
Some scientists have suggested that, in order to help cool the warming atmosphere, we could annually inject huge quantities of sulfate particles into the stratosphere. This might have the effect of reflecting some incoming sunlight back into space. Explain why you would support or oppose this geoengineering scheme.
Problem 8
What are three consumption patterns or other aspects of your lifestyle that directly add greenhouse gases to the atmosphere? Which, if any, of these habits would you be willing to give up in order to help slow projected climate change?
