After reading the article by the New York Times about the increase in carbon dioxide in 2011, it makes me wonder what measure the world is currently taking to decrease their contributions to global warming. I don’t understand why China continues to use more and more coal when they know how detrimental it is to our plant. Do they not have any cleaner resources to replace coal? At the end of the article it stated that if carbon dioxide levels continue to rise, our climate will slowly worsen. Does this mean that last year’s unusually warm winter and this year’s muggy December are clear signs of global warming? If so, what worse weather affects can we see in the years to come? The second article about Tim DeChristopher shows how all people should feel about global warming. DeChristopher took a stand against oil-shale extraction and was forced to go to prison because he was trying to save our future generations from a “death sentence”. If more people joined the climate movement and made a conscious effort to watch their waste, our levels of carbon dioxide could be decreasing instead of increasing right now. I believe that almost all Americans are aware of the earth’s changing climate, however, most people chose to do nothing about it. Jenna
It is very sad to read facts and truths about the future demise of our planet. With carbon dioxide levels continuing to increase every year as reported in J. Gillis and J. Broder's article, you would think that direct action would be taken by our government or other governments around the world. The reality is that although levels are officially increasing, danger is not eminent at the moment, and that is all those with power could care about. Countries and corporations will continue to gain profit until a real threat comes into play. Human greed can be dangerous and eventually, self destructive. This is where Abe Streep's article comes into play. The use of Jefferson's quote, "every generation needs a new revolution" is very fitting in my opinion. If we want to ensure long term sustainability for our planet, action needs to be taken. And if those in power aren't willing to do anything, then it is up to us to take the responsibility into our hands. People like Tim Dechristopher are key to spark initiative in the people and make it known that time is valuable, and it is running out. If we wish to save our planet, facts of inevitability need to be spread, along with knowledge of the situation which we are in. People hold great power, most of the time they just don't know that.
Scottie.
To be completely honest, I have never really worried about global warming or its effects. I think that that is true for many people around the world as well. We all know that the process will negatively impact the world, but to what extent? The article by New York Times lays out the consequences of global warming. Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, carbon dioxide levels have increased just over 40%. The article also states that it is feared these levels may even triple before carbon dioxide levels are brought back under control. The use of coal is also clearly hurting and damaging our planet. It is interesting that China is a leader in the world and is seen as so powerful and yet they continue to utilize coal even though the consequences of its use are known. The first article was unsettling for me and the second was very intriguing. DeChristopher is quite the individual, taking a prison sentence because he feels so passionately about the oil-shale extractions. While I don’t condone breaking the law, I respect the fact that DeChristopher was a “martyr” for this climate revolution. He bid on several parcels of land, and then told Love that he had no intentions of paying for them. He believed that oil-shale extractions were a death sentence for our generation. I think that our nation and the world would benefit from more education about global warming, other global environmental problems, and the possible consequences that we will face in years to come.
-Alex
I think many Americans have thought "oh we should definitely do something about the whole global warming thing." However, many choose to not change anything in their daily lives. After reading the second article about DeChristopher, i think that gives us an example on how passionate nations across the world should be about this issue. A man willing to go to prison for taking a stand on oil-shale extractions is pretty interesting. I think the world could benefit from learning about global warming and what they can do to change it. If people from all around the world joined forces in the climate change movement, i feel that we could make great strides in the global climate levels. In the second article they talked about how in America and other "developing" countries the Carbon Dioxide emission rates are lowering, however it said that in developing countries like China and India the emission rates are just getting bigger and bigger. The fact that the emission levels have jumped 3 percent last year and around 2.6 percent this year surprises me. I thought it would have been extremely lower. The increased carbon levels will have drastic effects on the sea levels, more flooding, and drastic weather disasters. We all could be a little more like DeChristopher and take a stand to help reduce global warming levels.
-Megan
Reading these two articles, it is difficult to not feel some sadness. It seems like our world is dying a slow, dirty death and we are failing to help it in any way. Protestors such as Tim DeChristopher have to resort to civil disobedience in order to make any progress towards protecting the environment and despite his overwhelming support, he still went to jail for two years. I’m not arguing that what DeChristopher did was right or correct but it just makes me sad that it’s gotten to the point where many protestors see civil disobedience and illegal activity as their only option. Also, despite all the global conferences and treaties, carbon dioxide emissions are at a record high and are continuing to grow. Personally, I thought carbon dioxide emissions would be decreasing due to new green technologies such as hybrid cars and alternative energies as well as the global attention on the environment. Hopefully we can make some progress towards protecting the environment and the planet in upcoming years. Ryan
Reading these two articles, it is difficult to not feel some sadness. It seems like our world is dying a slow, dirty death and we are failing to help it in any way. Protestors such as Tim DeChristopher have to resort to civil disobedience in order to make any progress towards protecting the environment and despite his overwhelming support, he still went to jail for two years. I’m not arguing that what DeChristopher did was right or correct but it just makes me sad that it’s gotten to the point where many protestors see civil disobedience and illegal activity as their only option. Also, despite all the global conferences and treaties, carbon dioxide emissions are at a record high and are continuing to grow. Personally, I thought carbon dioxide emissions would be decreasing due to new green technologies such as hybrid cars and alternative energies as well as the global attention on the environment. Hopefully we can make some progress towards protecting the environment and the planet in upcoming years. Ryan
After reading “The Trials of Bidder 70” by Abe Streep and “With Carbon Dioxide Emissions at Record High, Worries on How to Slow Warming” by Justin Gillis and John Broder, I find myself enlightened and satisfied. I say enlightened because much of the information presented to me in these pieces was information I did not already know or really have a clue about. I find myself a bit surprised that we are already at a point of no return as they put it, and it’s kind of interesting to think about. So many people pour their energy and time into promoting a more “green” world, but is it really worth it? Although I don’t necessarily agree with the protesting techniques of DeChristopher, he does bring up an extremely valid point. Maybe instead of trying to promote greenness and refine our techniques, the time has come that we should almost abandon our techniques. We seem to have a distorted sense of reality, that time is on our side and we really just need to keep inching away, but I don’t feel that this is correct at all. As news article stated, we really aren’t making any progress or have plan for much progress until 2020! At that point in time it could be far too late. It is our responsibility to nature to wake up from this foolish dream and begin to take action. Possibly not DeChristopher’s style of action that includes jail time, but take action in the sense that we need to make drastic changes to the way we operate. From what I understand of these articles, time isn’t running out on the push for green, time had already run out, we just choose not to believe it yet. -Derek
The issue surrounding global warming has always been a controversy. The controversy has been so great that many people I feel don’t know whether to act upon the danger or ignore it. The evidence on both sides is sound and strong which makes it is hard to pick a side. However, everyone can come to a consensus that we need to limit the amount of carbon dioxide we omit. In the New York Times article the numbers and statistics it revealed were alarming and I feel many countries will simply not change even though the risk is high. I feel like there are easy steps but it takes a long time for the risk and urgency to sink in. In the Article “The Trials of Bidder 70” DeChristopher’s proposal to send men up the coal site every year seems crazy but I feel sometimes extreme things need to happen for people to realize and listen. However, DeChristopher’s passion is powerful even though his friend says he acts like “a pain in the ass” sometimes. When reading this article it does make you think what is our revolution for our time? And I have to agree a little bit with climate activist feel the climate problem is our revolution for our time. It will be a fight to save our earth and some actions might seem insane and unnecessary; even though it might be too late.
-Liz
After reading these articles i have some very mixed feelings. While reading all of the numbers and facts from the New York Times article, I have a feeling of helplessness. I am only one person and it is hard to imagine that my actions will really make a difference in what is happening to the increasing amounts of carbon dioxide. The problem is so globalized and enormous that it seems like these issues have to be dealt with in larger schemes than anything that I can ever do by myself. On the other hand the the Bidder 70 article made me feel differently. It is unsettling how much impact one leader or movement can have on people. It is even more powerful how young people can be so easily persuaded to take a stand that could end their lives. I personally don't think that I would ever give my life for a mountain that is going to be torn apart just to supply our human greed for more power. I am jealous of those people who feel so strongly for something that they change their entire lifestyles to make a point. They are willing to go to jail, be criticized by society and risk their health for something that is close to their beliefs. That is just crazy for me to imagine and I commend those people for being so strongly grounded to one thing.
Rachael
After reading “The Trials of Bidder 70,” I believe that something should be done about mountaintop-removal coal mining in West Virginia. I did a little bit of research on this subject and found that even though this article is all about the consequences of this type of mining in the area of West Virginia, there are actually some good things that are associated with it too. Most of the power that the United States uses comes from coal and mountaintop-removal coal mining provides a lot coal. If we stopped it completely, the United States would be in an energy crisis which would create a lot more problems. Also if we stopped completely, the economy of West Virginia would be in trouble as well since a lot of the economy depends on the coal business. But the consequences of the removal of the coal are just as bad as well. It devastates the environment by taking the top of mountains off completely which can never be truly fixed. It completely destroys the scenic beauty of the land. It also promotes the use of coal in our environment. How the two articles are related is that they both talk about the consequences of coal in our environment. As stated in the New York Times article “With Carbon Dioxide Emissions at Record High, Worries on How to Slow Warming,” the global use of coal in our environment is going up which will have a negative impact on the environment in the future. The coal emissions have been increasing at a steady percentage for many years now and we have to do something about it. So what Tim DeChristopher from “The Trials of Bidder 70” is doing is good because he is getting the issue out to the public about how we need to get away from coal as an energy source and move into something less harmful to the environment like natural gas. --Nick
It was really frustrating to read the New York Times article and find out that carbon negotiations world wide are not working. I have learned about carbon capping and trading in countries like Norway and in California, and it seems to have a profound effect on our emissions. But it was upsetting to hear that the United States is also reducing their emissions simply by sending out dirtiest industries over seas. That is not a solution, the world is everyone's and we have an immense affect on its condition.
I also thought that Tim DeChristopher was a very inspired activist and I appreciated his efforts. Its sad to think that even with people as passionate as DeChristopher leading environmentalists we still struggle with energy issues.
I don't think that the lifestyle that we have now or the way our society operates can possibly maintain a level of equilibrium with nature. Too much of the things that we do or have already done are not natural and therefor already set us apart from nature and injure its natural cycles. All of the mass production and synthetic products that we rely on are highly toxic to the environment but its much to difficult to turn the world around when our ideals of success are based on this lifestyle with these materials.
In our world, I have come to realize that there is going to be natural disasters as well as human impact on our environments. Humans rely on the wonders of the Earth to simply live in this world we have created. To be honest, I believe there are many people in our world who don't always think of the impact we making on our environment when it comes to omitting carbon dioxide into our atmosphere. I know that is not a conscious thought going on in my head every single day. We aren't all headstrong like DeChristopher and taking a stand against oil-shale extractions. I do give him credit for taking a stand and making an impact on this world by telling the world about our energy sources. I know that carbon dioxide omission is increasing rapidly every year and we aren't doing that much about it. I don't believe we will change our ways until we see what the harm we are doing increase to where it is on people's mind everyday. -- Sarah
Until this point I never realized the growing effects of global warming. With media poking fun at all of the supporters of global warming I had assumed it was just a bunch of hotheads looking to blow some steam off. But after reading the article about the massive amounts of carbon dioxide emissions that magnify the effects of global warming and are slowly throwing our earth in an abyss regarding our future. Should the use of coal and resources that are toxic to the environment continue to be used without any discretion we are interminably tumbling into a state of regress from which we cannot recover? Global warming is a serious issue, for example, Minnesota is used to harsh winters that can last up to six months, however the past couple winter seasons have extremely tame and left the cold lovers with more to be desired. I believe we need to address the issue of global warming much more aggressive fashion coming from the leadership of many nations worldwide to raise awareness and bring this growing problem to a close more quickly. Braden
These articles are very exaggerative in their opinions of global warming. Not everyone is going to be as passionate as DeChristopher about global warming and what is happening to our country. It is true that since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, carbon dioxide levels have increased just over 40%, but where would we be as a country without industry? without the burning of fossil fuels? These things are beneficial and efficient contributions to our daily lives and not many people, with the exception of a few such as DeChristopher, will be willing to give it up. Even though i do not believe that the use of coal and other fossil fuels will stop being used, i do believe that mountain top removal needs to be lessened, just like they mention in “The Trials of Bidder 70". It hurts and destroys the scenery of the land but it also pollutes the water and land around it with its toxic runoff. however, it is also needed because it provides culture and jobs to west virginia and the rest of the Appalachia. Coal is a much needed fossil fuel and i doubt that it will stopped being used or its usage cut down do to raising carbon monoxide levels. -sydney
When I look outside all I see it a blue sky and soft snow on healthy trees. I don’t see scorched grass, willowing trees and smog in the air. This is why our world isn’t changing! Sure many countries are polluted but most people do not see it in their daily lives. We read about it on the internet, like these two articles, but we never see it first-hand. It has become a “this does not affect me” sort of problem. I feel the in order for society to change its ways pollution has to get worse. Now I’m not saying that I want this to happen but it seems like that will be the only turning point. When we start to wake up to smog filled skies and blazing heat then we will consider changing our ways. Seeing it one the news and internet seems like it is happening worlds away. This is just the sad truth of humanity. If a problem is not staring us directly in the face then it’s a problem best saved for later. People say they are trying to change their ways but when it comes down to it they are still using electricity, driving cars and sitting in temperature controlled homes. Until more of the world sees the devastation we are causing it first- hand it looks like little is going to change. -Devon
When I think about all of the efforts made in the last few years to protect our environment, reducing carbon dioxide emmisions is one that is high on the list I've heard alot about. But I have never really taken notice to it or studies on global warming, because I don't feel like it really effects me. Sure we had a warm winter last year, but look at now, its below freezing and there is over a foot of snow. I can see why it's easy for some people to believe this isn't real. But after reading these articles it saddens me to know that other parts of the world are suffering because of the decisions we have made and that it may be too late to reverse the damage we've already done. Unfortunately I think that too many of us live in ignorance of what is happening in other parts of the world and until we see how pollution directly effects us there won't be a significant change in our actions. This relates back to Burtynsky and Jordan's photos we saw, we don't realize how our small actions, such as leaving a bottle cap in the river, can have large effects on other living creatures.
When I think about all of the efforts made in the last few years to protect our environment, reducing carbon dioxide emmisions is one that is high on the list I've heard alot about. But I have never really taken notice to it or studies on global warming, because I don't feel like it really effects me. Sure we had a warm winter last year, but look at now, its below freezing and there is over a foot of snow. I can see why it's easy for some people to believe this isn't real. But after reading these articles it saddens me to know that other parts of the world are suffering because of the decisions we have made and that it may be too late to reverse the damage we've already done. Unfortunately I think that too many of us live in ignorance of what is happening in other parts of the world and until we see how pollution directly effects us there won't be a significant change in our actions. This relates back to Burtynsky and Jordan's photos we saw, we don't realize how our small actions, such as leaving a bottle cap in the river, can have large effects on other living creatures.
I thought the articles were interesting. The second one, from the New York Times, seemed to present the facts of emissions and global climate change, where the other one was the perspective of an activist. Sure, they have good Ideas, it would nice to not have to mine coal and other energy sources, and it would be great if we wouldn't be emitting gasses that could lead to global warming, however society is not ready or able to make that drastic of a shift, including the activists that are demanding change. They may slow the process of mining coal and increase the cost of energy, but they are not going to stop mining, just make the process more cumbersome for everyone. By the way the author describes the crowd, it seems to me to be a gathering of young, passionate people who care about the future and the environment, but fail to understand the logistics and implications in what they demand. The only reason these people are able to stand around and protest is because they have grown up in a well developed country that has relatively cheap energy allowing them to have disposable income with which they can complain about the luxuries of modern society. Their argument is great for them because they have no responsibility, they aren't the ones that have to implement what they preach, and they don't understand basic economics and the importance of economically viable energy sources for modern development. Justin Siewert
After reading the article by the New York Times about the increase in carbon dioxide in 2011, it makes me wonder what measure the world is currently taking to decrease their contributions to global warming. I don’t understand why China continues to use more and more coal when they know how detrimental it is to our plant. Do they not have any cleaner resources to replace coal? At the end of the article it stated that if carbon dioxide levels continue to rise, our climate will slowly worsen. Does this mean that last year’s unusually warm winter and this year’s muggy December are clear signs of global warming? If so, what worse weather affects can we see in the years to come? The second article about Tim DeChristopher shows how all people should feel about global warming. DeChristopher took a stand against oil-shale extraction and was forced to go to prison because he was trying to save our future generations from a “death sentence”. If more people joined the climate movement and made a conscious effort to watch their waste, our levels of carbon dioxide could be decreasing instead of increasing right now. I believe that almost all Americans are aware of the earth’s changing climate, however, most people chose to do nothing about it. Jenna
It is very sad to read facts and truths about the future demise of our planet. With carbon dioxide levels continuing to increase every year as reported in J. Gillis and J. Broder's article, you would think that direct action would be taken by our government or other governments around the world. The reality is that although levels are officially increasing, danger is not eminent at the moment, and that is all those with power could care about. Countries and corporations will continue to gain profit until a real threat comes into play. Human greed can be dangerous and eventually, self destructive. This is where Abe Streep's article comes into play. The use of Jefferson's quote, "every generation needs a new revolution" is very fitting in my opinion. If we want to ensure long term sustainability for our planet, action needs to be taken. And if those in power aren't willing to do anything, then it is up to us to take the responsibility into our hands. People like Tim Dechristopher are key to spark initiative in the people and make it known that time is valuable, and it is running out. If we wish to save our planet, facts of inevitability need to be spread, along with knowledge of the situation which we are in. People hold great power, most of the time they just don't know that.
Scottie.
To be completely honest, I have never really worried about global warming or its effects. I think that that is true for many people around the world as well. We all know that the process will negatively impact the world, but to what extent? The article by New York Times lays out the consequences of global warming. Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, carbon dioxide levels have increased just over 40%. The article also states that it is feared these levels may even triple before carbon dioxide levels are brought back under control. The use of coal is also clearly hurting and damaging our planet. It is interesting that China is a leader in the world and is seen as so powerful and yet they continue to utilize coal even though the consequences of its use are known. The first article was unsettling for me and the second was very intriguing. DeChristopher is quite the individual, taking a prison sentence because he feels so passionately about the oil-shale extractions. While I don’t condone breaking the law, I respect the fact that DeChristopher was a “martyr” for this climate revolution. He bid on several parcels of land, and then told Love that he had no intentions of paying for them. He believed that oil-shale extractions were a death sentence for our generation. I think that our nation and the world would benefit from more education about global warming, other global environmental problems, and the possible consequences that we will face in years to come.
-Alex
I think many Americans have thought "oh we should definitely do something about the whole global warming thing." However, many choose to not change anything in their daily lives. After reading the second article about DeChristopher, i think that gives us an example on how passionate nations across the world should be about this issue. A man willing to go to prison for taking a stand on oil-shale extractions is pretty interesting. I think the world could benefit from learning about global warming and what they can do to change it. If people from all around the world joined forces in the climate change movement, i feel that we could make great strides in the global climate levels. In the second article they talked about how in America and other "developing" countries the Carbon Dioxide emission rates are lowering, however it said that in developing countries like China and India the emission rates are just getting bigger and bigger. The fact that the emission levels have jumped 3 percent last year and around 2.6 percent this year surprises me. I thought it would have been extremely lower. The increased carbon levels will have drastic effects on the sea levels, more flooding, and drastic weather disasters. We all could be a little more like DeChristopher and take a stand to help reduce global warming levels.
-Megan
Reading these two articles, it is difficult to not feel some sadness. It seems like our world is dying a slow, dirty death and we are failing to help it in any way. Protestors such as Tim DeChristopher have to resort to civil disobedience in order to make any progress towards protecting the environment and despite his overwhelming support, he still went to jail for two years. I’m not arguing that what DeChristopher did was right or correct but it just makes me sad that it’s gotten to the point where many protestors see civil disobedience and illegal activity as their only option. Also, despite all the global conferences and treaties, carbon dioxide emissions are at a record high and are continuing to grow. Personally, I thought carbon dioxide emissions would be decreasing due to new green technologies such as hybrid cars and alternative energies as well as the global attention on the environment. Hopefully we can make some progress towards protecting the environment and the planet in upcoming years. Ryan
Reading these two articles, it is difficult to not feel some sadness. It seems like our world is dying a slow, dirty death and we are failing to help it in any way. Protestors such as Tim DeChristopher have to resort to civil disobedience in order to make any progress towards protecting the environment and despite his overwhelming support, he still went to jail for two years. I’m not arguing that what DeChristopher did was right or correct but it just makes me sad that it’s gotten to the point where many protestors see civil disobedience and illegal activity as their only option. Also, despite all the global conferences and treaties, carbon dioxide emissions are at a record high and are continuing to grow. Personally, I thought carbon dioxide emissions would be decreasing due to new green technologies such as hybrid cars and alternative energies as well as the global attention on the environment. Hopefully we can make some progress towards protecting the environment and the planet in upcoming years. Ryan
After reading “The Trials of Bidder 70” by Abe Streep and “With Carbon Dioxide Emissions at Record High, Worries on How to Slow Warming” by Justin Gillis and John Broder, I find myself enlightened and satisfied. I say enlightened because much of the information presented to me in these pieces was information I did not already know or really have a clue about. I find myself a bit surprised that we are already at a point of no return as they put it, and it’s kind of interesting to think about. So many people pour their energy and time into promoting a more “green” world, but is it really worth it? Although I don’t necessarily agree with the protesting techniques of DeChristopher, he does bring up an extremely valid point. Maybe instead of trying to promote greenness and refine our techniques, the time has come that we should almost abandon our techniques. We seem to have a distorted sense of reality, that time is on our side and we really just need to keep inching away, but I don’t feel that this is correct at all. As news article stated, we really aren’t making any progress or have plan for much progress until 2020! At that point in time it could be far too late. It is our responsibility to nature to wake up from this foolish dream and begin to take action. Possibly not DeChristopher’s style of action that includes jail time, but take action in the sense that we need to make drastic changes to the way we operate. From what I understand of these articles, time isn’t running out on the push for green, time had already run out, we just choose not to believe it yet. -Derek
The issue surrounding global warming has always been a controversy. The controversy has been so great that many people I feel don’t know whether to act upon the danger or ignore it. The evidence on both sides is sound and strong which makes it is hard to pick a side. However, everyone can come to a consensus that we need to limit the amount of carbon dioxide we omit. In the New York Times article the numbers and statistics it revealed were alarming and I feel many countries will simply not change even though the risk is high. I feel like there are easy steps but it takes a long time for the risk and urgency to sink in. In the Article “The Trials of Bidder 70” DeChristopher’s proposal to send men up the coal site every year seems crazy but I feel sometimes extreme things need to happen for people to realize and listen. However, DeChristopher’s passion is powerful even though his friend says he acts like “a pain in the ass” sometimes. When reading this article it does make you think what is our revolution for our time? And I have to agree a little bit with climate activist feel the climate problem is our revolution for our time. It will be a fight to save our earth and some actions might seem insane and unnecessary; even though it might be too late.
-Liz
After reading these articles i have some very mixed feelings. While reading all of the numbers and facts from the New York Times article, I have a feeling of helplessness. I am only one person and it is hard to imagine that my actions will really make a difference in what is happening to the increasing amounts of carbon dioxide. The problem is so globalized and enormous that it seems like these issues have to be dealt with in larger schemes than anything that I can ever do by myself. On the other hand the the Bidder 70 article made me feel differently. It is unsettling how much impact one leader or movement can have on people. It is even more powerful how young people can be so easily persuaded to take a stand that could end their lives. I personally don't think that I would ever give my life for a mountain that is going to be torn apart just to supply our human greed for more power. I am jealous of those people who feel so strongly for something that they change their entire lifestyles to make a point. They are willing to go to jail, be criticized by society and risk their health for something that is close to their beliefs. That is just crazy for me to imagine and I commend those people for being so strongly grounded to one thing.
Rachael
After reading “The Trials of Bidder 70,” I believe that something should be done about mountaintop-removal coal mining in West Virginia. I did a little bit of research on this subject and found that even though this article is all about the consequences of this type of mining in the area of West Virginia, there are actually some good things that are associated with it too. Most of the power that the United States uses comes from coal and mountaintop-removal coal mining provides a lot coal. If we stopped it completely, the United States would be in an energy crisis which would create a lot more problems. Also if we stopped completely, the economy of West Virginia would be in trouble as well since a lot of the economy depends on the coal business. But the consequences of the removal of the coal are just as bad as well. It devastates the environment by taking the top of mountains off completely which can never be truly fixed. It completely destroys the scenic beauty of the land. It also promotes the use of coal in our environment. How the two articles are related is that they both talk about the consequences of coal in our environment. As stated in the New York Times article “With Carbon Dioxide Emissions at Record High, Worries on How to Slow Warming,” the global use of coal in our environment is going up which will have a negative impact on the environment in the future. The coal emissions have been increasing at a steady percentage for many years now and we have to do something about it. So what Tim DeChristopher from “The Trials of Bidder 70” is doing is good because he is getting the issue out to the public about how we need to get away from coal as an energy source and move into something less harmful to the environment like natural gas. --Nick
It was really frustrating to read the New York Times article and find out that carbon negotiations world wide are not working. I have learned about carbon capping and trading in countries like Norway and in California, and it seems to have a profound effect on our emissions. But it was upsetting to hear that the United States is also reducing their emissions simply by sending out dirtiest industries over seas. That is not a solution, the world is everyone's and we have an immense affect on its condition.
I also thought that Tim DeChristopher was a very inspired activist and I appreciated his efforts. Its sad to think that even with people as passionate as DeChristopher leading environmentalists we still struggle with energy issues.
I don't think that the lifestyle that we have now or the way our society operates can possibly maintain a level of equilibrium with nature. Too much of the things that we do or have already done are not natural and therefor already set us apart from nature and injure its natural cycles. All of the mass production and synthetic products that we rely on are highly toxic to the environment but its much to difficult to turn the world around when our ideals of success are based on this lifestyle with these materials.
Emily
In our world, I have come to realize that there is going to be natural disasters as well as human impact on our environments. Humans rely on the wonders of the Earth to simply live in this world we have created. To be honest, I believe there are many people in our world who don't always think of the impact we making on our environment when it comes to omitting carbon dioxide into our atmosphere. I know that is not a conscious thought going on in my head every single day. We aren't all headstrong like DeChristopher and taking a stand against oil-shale extractions. I do give him credit for taking a stand and making an impact on this world by telling the world about our energy sources. I know that carbon dioxide omission is increasing rapidly every year and we aren't doing that much about it. I don't believe we will change our ways until we see what the harm we are doing increase to where it is on people's mind everyday. -- Sarah
Until this point I never realized the growing effects of global warming. With media poking fun at all of the supporters of global warming I had assumed it was just a bunch of hotheads looking to blow some steam off. But after reading the article about the massive amounts of carbon dioxide emissions that magnify the effects of global warming and are slowly throwing our earth in an abyss regarding our future. Should the use of coal and resources that are toxic to the environment continue to be used without any discretion we are interminably tumbling into a state of regress from which we cannot recover? Global warming is a serious issue, for example, Minnesota is used to harsh winters that can last up to six months, however the past couple winter seasons have extremely tame and left the cold lovers with more to be desired. I believe we need to address the issue of global warming much more aggressive fashion coming from the leadership of many nations worldwide to raise awareness and bring this growing problem to a close more quickly. Braden
These articles are very exaggerative in their opinions of global warming. Not everyone is going to be as passionate as DeChristopher about global warming and what is happening to our country. It is true that since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, carbon dioxide levels have increased just over 40%, but where would we be as a country without industry? without the burning of fossil fuels? These things are beneficial and efficient contributions to our daily lives and not many people, with the exception of a few such as DeChristopher, will be willing to give it up. Even though i do not believe that the use of coal and other fossil fuels will stop being used, i do believe that mountain top removal needs to be lessened, just like they mention in “The Trials of Bidder 70". It hurts and destroys the scenery of the land but it also pollutes the water and land around it with its toxic runoff. however, it is also needed because it provides culture and jobs to west virginia and the rest of the Appalachia. Coal is a much needed fossil fuel and i doubt that it will stopped being used or its usage cut down do to raising carbon monoxide levels. -sydney
When I look outside all I see it a blue sky and soft snow on healthy trees. I don’t see scorched grass, willowing trees and smog in the air. This is why our world isn’t changing! Sure many countries are polluted but most people do not see it in their daily lives. We read about it on the internet, like these two articles, but we never see it first-hand. It has become a “this does not affect me” sort of problem. I feel the in order for society to change its ways pollution has to get worse. Now I’m not saying that I want this to happen but it seems like that will be the only turning point. When we start to wake up to smog filled skies and blazing heat then we will consider changing our ways. Seeing it one the news and internet seems like it is happening worlds away. This is just the sad truth of humanity. If a problem is not staring us directly in the face then it’s a problem best saved for later. People say they are trying to change their ways but when it comes down to it they are still using electricity, driving cars and sitting in temperature controlled homes. Until more of the world sees the devastation we are causing it first- hand it looks like little is going to change. -Devon
When I think about all of the efforts made in the last few years to protect our environment, reducing carbon dioxide emmisions is one that is high on the list I've heard alot about. But I have never really taken notice to it or studies on global warming, because I don't feel like it really effects me. Sure we had a warm winter last year, but look at now, its below freezing and there is over a foot of snow. I can see why it's easy for some people to believe this isn't real. But after reading these articles it saddens me to know that other parts of the world are suffering because of the decisions we have made and that it may be too late to reverse the damage we've already done. Unfortunately I think that too many of us live in ignorance of what is happening in other parts of the world and until we see how pollution directly effects us there won't be a significant change in our actions. This relates back to Burtynsky and Jordan's photos we saw, we don't realize how our small actions, such as leaving a bottle cap in the river, can have large effects on other living creatures.
When I think about all of the efforts made in the last few years to protect our environment, reducing carbon dioxide emmisions is one that is high on the list I've heard alot about. But I have never really taken notice to it or studies on global warming, because I don't feel like it really effects me. Sure we had a warm winter last year, but look at now, its below freezing and there is over a foot of snow. I can see why it's easy for some people to believe this isn't real. But after reading these articles it saddens me to know that other parts of the world are suffering because of the decisions we have made and that it may be too late to reverse the damage we've already done. Unfortunately I think that too many of us live in ignorance of what is happening in other parts of the world and until we see how pollution directly effects us there won't be a significant change in our actions. This relates back to Burtynsky and Jordan's photos we saw, we don't realize how our small actions, such as leaving a bottle cap in the river, can have large effects on other living creatures.
-Ashley
I thought the articles were interesting. The second one, from the New York Times, seemed to present the facts of emissions and global climate change, where the other one was the perspective of an activist. Sure, they have good Ideas, it would nice to not have to mine coal and other energy sources, and it would be great if we wouldn't be emitting gasses that could lead to global warming, however society is not ready or able to make that drastic of a shift, including the activists that are demanding change. They may slow the process of mining coal and increase the cost of energy, but they are not going to stop mining, just make the process more cumbersome for everyone. By the way the author describes the crowd, it seems to me to be a gathering of young, passionate people who care about the future and the environment, but fail to understand the logistics and implications in what they demand. The only reason these people are able to stand around and protest is because they have grown up in a well developed country that has relatively cheap energy allowing them to have disposable income with which they can complain about the luxuries of modern society. Their argument is great for them because they have no responsibility, they aren't the ones that have to implement what they preach, and they don't understand basic economics and the importance of economically viable energy sources for modern development. Justin Siewert