1. Chapter 7’s introduction, “The Environment,” gave insight to the severe damage the human way of life has caused our planet. Oil drilling, coal mining, fossil-fuel production, chemically intense agriculture, nuclear waste, and even mega-farming is destroying our oceans, land, air, and ozone. By contaminating the very atmosphere, human production has created a greenhouse effect that has contributed to global warming. This chapter’s introduction lets me know we’ll be the death of us.
2. Dr. Craig Idso, founder and chairman of the Center for the Study of Carbon Dioxide and Global Change, introduced a video titled “Unstoppable Solar Cycle; Rethinking Global Warming.” and summarized “Why Scientist disagree with Global Warning” by climate change author and former adviser to the Heartland Institute, Dr. Robert Carter. Dr. Idso’s video describes the history of earths many climate change, warming and cooling periods are part of a recurring pattern for Earth. The Sun also has cycles that contribute to the temperature and cycles on Earth. The summary of Dr. Carter’s book concludes that there still isn’t sufficient evidence that greenhouse gases are behind the increase in global temperatures. Policymakers should resist lobbyist and avoid government organizations that can exaggerate data for political and financial self-interest, and seek independent research because so much data is conflicted by agendas. https://www.heartland.org/publications-resources/publications/why-scientists-disagree-about-global-warming
3. (1) – What environmental responsibilities do we have to the rest of the world?
Whether climate change is a result of human evolution or an anger sun I think it is indisputable that we have a responsibility to preserve the environment. There’s much more the government can do. “The Environment” mentioned the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act as groundbreaking laws, the latest update/amendment was 1990. Congress should strengthen the EPA and update certain environmental laws. Environmental responsibility starts with the individual, “Assuming Personal Responsibility for Improving the Environment” by Hope Babcock writes that traditional sources of energy and individual behavior are the leading factors of environmental issues. The government spends on repairing current damage but spending to educate the public may help prevent future damage. There isn’t a single approach but the citizens that working together and combining methods of conservation is our responsibility. https://scholarship.law.georgetown.edu/facpub/942/
3. (2) – What obligation do we have to future generations?
Tragedy of the future Commons! It’s a conflicting human trait to want the best for our future generations while also grabbing our piece to the pie before it’s gone. This article from Tempest Media believes the obligation to save the future is an old statement that is about the present. With more trash in the water than boats and more space junk orbiting Earth than satellites, this generation is cleaning up for the one prior just so the one after us can even exist. https://showcase.tempestamedia.com/do-we-have-an-obligation-to-protect-the-environment-for-future-generations-aid-22840/
4. Who should pay the cost for protecting the environment — those responsible for causing the pollution or those who stand to benefit from protection and restoration. Explain your position.
Those responsible for causing pollution should pay the cost for damaging the environment, taxes and penalties haven’t been sufficient enough. Every environmental issue created by the toxic production explained in “The Environment” has a solution that would reduce or eliminate the pollutant, cost is the reason for continuing so incentives/rewards for compliance can be added with penalties for violations. The cost for protection the environment is priceless, unless we move to Mars, and should be shared by the residents that enjoy living on Earth. While paying may mean fines or taxes mostly, pay-ing attention to our own behavior such as; taking public transportation, recycling, and using energy sparingly is how we can pay for renting this planet. https://www.quora.com/Who-should-pay-for-environmental-protection
*Dont wait until Earth Day to fill a yellow bag!!