Addressing a global warming skeptic

Luisa Thompson
815 North Broadway
Saratoga Springs, New York
7-15-09

Dear, John
Currently, I am collecting research on the effects of climate change. Scientific data that I came across, states that humans are responsible for causing global warming. Our usage of fossil fuels has increased pollution and increased temperature throughout the entire world. On the other hand, I know your belief is that the evidence scientists have collected thus far is not true and that people are not causing global warming. I also know that you would agree with Tim Ball as he said “warmer temperatures are good for society.”
I respect your beliefs. However, from all the research I have abstracted the effects of increasing levels in carbon dioxide and in temperatures, clearly show that life has changed due to these increases. For example, Elizabeth Kolbert’s “Climate of Man I,” reveals this truth as she explores the effects of increasing carbon dioxide and temperature in Alaska. This was a direct result to the melting ice, increasing temperatures in the oceans also the freezing of seas. “It became too dangerous to hunt using snowmobiles, and the men switched to boats.” (“Climate of Man I” 58). This even shows that the natural ice which is normally never supposed to melt has begun to decrease over the years because of the warm temperatures. The seas are not known to freeze completely either. In addition to nature becoming un-balanced, people’s way of life has changed. Changes in weather patterns have interfered with society causing destructive disasters such as storms/ tornados, and also interfered with people’s social and interactive styles for living and surviving. If we stop contributing to air pollution and if we stop the burning of fossil fuels, then carbon dioxide would not increase massively. Therefore, temperature would not continue rise extraordinarily and create imbalances on the earth.
As I have previously stated, I know that you would agree with Tim Ball as he said “warmer temperatures are good for society.” What actual evidence does Tim Ball have to prove his statement true? Saying a statement and having evidence to support your belief is one thing, but saying a belief and having no evidence to back it up is another. Tim Ball does not in fact explain in depth his statement as well as he does not prove that “humans do not contribute to climate change,” to be a fact. In the article “What do the skeptics say?” it says “Moreover, time series analysis of the last four glacial-interglacial.... atmospheric carbon dioxide respond up to 5,000 years before variations in global ice sheets.” (“What do skeptics say?” 60). However, Al Gore’s documentary “An Inconvenient Truth,” shows through graphs, recorded data of the carbon dioxide and temperature increase from since 650,000 years ago till present day. These results were gathered from not just one place or gathered only up to 5,000 years so I would disagree. I would like to talk to your father about changing the way he runs his oil company and propose moves towards: going green! I would like to do this because scientific evidence concludes that if carbon dioxide level and temperature continue to rise, then all the melting ice and glaciers will raise the sea levels and cause massive flooding. In addition, the consequences on precipitation may result in droughts. Without clear and precise evidence to prove that humans are not causing global warming, then you should be open towards looking at the other argument and not believe your parents ideals. I know your parents like the money they are making through the burning of fossil fuels. Even so, which is worst, having money or no place to live.
Sincerely,
Luisa Thompson
Works Cited


Kolbert, Elizabeth. "The Climate of Man-1." The New Yorker 25Apr.2005:B1+
“An Inconvenient Truth” Dir. Davis Guggenheim. Albert Gore. DVD. Paramount Home Entertainment, 2006.
“What do the skeptics say?”