Carbon Dioxide The No. 1 Greenhouse Gas

Carbon is an essential building block for all life on earth. It is also the main atom making up fossil fuels’ chemical composition. It can also be found in the form of carbon dioxide, a gas which plays a central role in global climate change. What Is CO2? Carbon dioxide is a molecule made of three parts, a central carbon atom tied to two oxygen atoms. It is a gas making up only about 0.04% of our atmosphere, but it is an important component of the carbon cycle. Carbon molecules are real shapeshifters, often in solid form, but frequently changing phase from CO2 gas to liquid (as carbonic acid or carbonates), and back to a gas. The oceans contain vast amounts of carbon, and so does solid land: rock formations, soils, and all living things contain carbon. Carbon moves around between these different forms in a series of processes referred to as the carbon cycle – or more precisely a number of cycles that plays multiple crucial roles in the global climate change phenomenon. CO2 Is Part of Biological and Geological Cycles During a process called cellular respiration, plants and animals burn sugars to obtain energy. The sugar molecules contain a number of carbon atoms which during respiration are released in the form of carbon dioxide. Animals exhale excess carbon dioxide when they breathe, and plants release it mostly during nighttime. When exposed to sunlight, plants and algae pick up CO2 from the air and strip it of its carbon atom to use in building sugar molecules – the oxygen left behind is released in the air as O2. Carbon dioxide is also part of a much slower process: the geological carbon cycle. It has many components, and an important one is the transfer of carbon atoms from CO2 in the atmosphere to carbonates dissolved in the ocean. Once there, the carbon atoms are picked up by small marine organisms (mostly plankton) which make hard shells with it. After the plankton dies, the carbon shell sinks down to the bottom, joining scores of others and eventually forming limestone rock. Millions of years later that limestone may emerge to the surface, become weathered and release back the carbon atoms. The Release of Excess CO2 Is the Problem Coal, oil, and gas are fossil fuels made from the accumulation of aquatic organisms that are then subjected to high pressure and temperature. When we extract these fossil fuels and burn them, the carbon molecules once locked into the plankton and algae get released back in the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. If we look over any reasonable time frame (say, hundreds of thousands of years), the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere has been relatively stable, the natural releases being compensated by the amounts picked up by plants and algae. However, since we have been burning fossil fuels we have been adding a net amount of carbon in the air every year. Carbon Dioxide as a Greenhouse Gas In the atmosphere, carbon dioxide contributes with other molecules to the greenhouse effect. Energy from the sun gets reflected by the surface of the earth, and in the process it is transformed into a wavelength more easily intercepted by greenhouse gases, trapping the heat within the atmosphere instead of letting it reflect out into space. Carbon dioxide’s contribution to the greenhouse effect varies between 10 and 25 % depending on the location, immediately behind water vapor. An Upward Trend The concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere has varied over time, with significant ups and downs experienced by the planet over geological times. If we look at the last millennia however  we see a steep rise in carbon dioxide clearly starting with the industrial revolution. Since pre-1800 estimates the CO2 concentrations have risen by over 42% to current levels over 400 parts per million (ppm), driven by the burning of fossil fuels and by land clearing. How Exactly Do We Add CO2? As we entered an era defined by intense human activity, the Anthropocene, we have been adding carbon dioxide to the atmosphere beyond the naturally occurring emissions. Most of this comes from the combustion of coal, oil, and natural gas. The energy industry, especially through carbon-fired power plants, is responsible for most of the world’s greenhouse gas emission – that share reaches 37% in the U.S., according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Transportation, including fossil fuel powered cars, trucks, trains, and ships, comes in second with 31% of emissions. Another 10% comes from the burning of fossil fuels to heat homes and businesses. Refineries and other industrial activities release a lot of carbon dioxide, led by the production of cement which is responsible for a surprisingly large amount of CO2 adding up to 5% of the total worldwide production. Land clearing is an important source of carbon dioxide emissions in many parts of the world. Burning slash and leaving soils exposed releases CO2. In countries where forests are making somewhat of a comeback, like in the United States, land use creates a net uptake of carbon as it gets mobilized by the growing trees. Reducing Our Carbon Footprint Lowering your carbon dioxide emissions can be done by adjusting your energy demand, making more environmentally sound decisions about your transportation needs, and re-evaluating your food choices. Both the Nature Conservancy and the EPA have useful carbon footprint calculators which can help you identify where in your lifestyle you can make the most difference. What Is Carbon Sequestration? Besides reducing emissions, there are actions we can take to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations. The term carbon sequestration means capturing CO2 and putting it away in a stable form where it will not contribute to climate change. Such global warming mitigation measures include planting forests and injecting carbon dioxide in old wells or deep into porous geological formations.

In this book, the author Brian Cogan discusses the most...

In this book, the author Brian Cogan discusses the most controversial television shows in history, South Park. He discusses how South Park even though seems simple it is a very thoughtful program on television that discusses many social issues. The creators of South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone created a social and political commentary that has been the most successful in television history. Cogan discusses how South Park is a commentary on American culture that is focused around controversial issues. The sitcom allows for the creators to become involved in discussions regarding issues such as religion and sexuality. Cogan inserts that the creators of South Park use every episode to promote their freedom of speech on these†¦show more content†¦I can use this in my research paper because the author discusses the positives of the crude language in South Park. Stephen Holden has been published for related articles in major newspapers and magazines for over forty years. Leonard, Devin. South Park Creators Haven’t Lost Their Edge. Fortune Magazine: 30. 2006. Print. In this article, the author Devin Leonard discusses the success of South Park. South Park attracts 3.1 million viewers an episode which is Comedy Central’s highest-rated program; it is more than the Daily Show with Jon Stewart. In 2006, South Park generated $34 million dollars in advertising revenue. In 1999, when Paramount released South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut, a film by where the main characters find their way into an R-Rated film called Terrance and Phillip. The movie was nominated for Academy award for best song- â€Å"Blame Canada† and the film had a gross income of $83 million dollars at the box office. After the South Park movie, viewers and critics were looking forward to the satiric take through episodes based on current events such as 9/11 and the release of the movie Passion of the Christ. Devin Leonard has a passive tone in the article, seems Pro-South Park and is an editor for Fortune Magazine. I will use this in my paper to show the statistics of how popular South Park really is and to prove that viewers think the way the material or crude language presented in South Park is relevant

Martin Luther King Fought for Freedom, Equality, and Justice

Freedom, equality, justice three simple words that’s what they seem to us but what about to those who had to fight to obtain their freedom? To them having Freedom, Equality, and Justice meant having a future, not living in fear, and pursuing their dreams. Many African-Americans formerly enslaved believed that after the civil war they would be treated like equal citizens. The results they got wasn’t what they expected, instead many people used ignorance, racism, and self-interest to spread racial division. By 1900, new laws and old customs in the North and South had created a segregated society. This condemned African- Americans to second-class citizen ship. There was A man who was tired of seeing all of this racial injustice. Martin luther king jr a man fighting not only for himself but for others. In â€Å"Letter from Birmingham Jail† Martin Luther King, Jr. uses strategic support by applying Rhetorical questioning, and similes in his writing, to open the chur ch leaders eyes to racial injustice and convince them to take action against it. â€Å" Letter from Birmingham Jail† Words for a change I would call it. In this letter Martin Luther King used, lots of rhetorical questioning. Dr. King refers to claims by segregationist that a black man fighting for his rights, precipitated violence. In response he answers with a rhetorical question, â€Å"Isn’t this like condemning a robbed man because his possession of money precipitated the evil act of robbery?† He uses this questionShow MoreRelatedMartin Luther King And King Remembered By Malcolm X Analysis804 Words   |  4 PagesAfrican Americans were passed. During, these years civil and economic rights were being diligently fought for. The unity of all African Americans regardless of their religion, political views, or social was being encouraged. Speeches and rallies also took place to end racism and instill equality. There is no doubt any of this would have been accom plished without the help of notable activists Martin Luther King Jr and Malcolm X. Two bold and heroic men, one nonviolent and the other defiant. Yet, despiteRead MoreThe Gettysburg Address And I Have A Dream Speech Analysis759 Words   |  4 Pagesa speech written by Abraham Lincoln, and Martin Luther King’s â€Å"I Have a Dream† speech states the importance of freedom and equality. Martin Luther King message to his audience In order to communicate their message of freedom and equality, Martin Luther King and Abraham Lincoln used allusions in their speeches. One major similarity in their use of allusions is their reference to the Constitution of Declaration of Independence. Yet, a difference is that King alludes to the Bible while Abraham LincolnRead MoreBeing A Hero Means To Be A Leader. To Be A Leader You Have1124 Words   |  5 Pagesthey believe is right of freedom and equality of all people. Major leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X they were inv olved with the Civil Rights Movement during the 60s. They were willing to fight until the end to make a change in society. Both men wanted to give the rights to all black people in America of living as an equal human being. But they both had their own ways of trying to make history and trying to make a difference for black people. Martin Luther believed in fighting verballyRead Moreâ€Å"I Am Happy To Join With You Today In What Will Go Down1420 Words   |  6 Pagesdemonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.† (Lerone Bennett Jr. pg.125) Being a hero means to be a leader. To be a leader you have to have strength, courage, and commitment. In the 1960s, there were many leaders fighting for what they believe is the right of freedom and equality of all people. A major leader, Martin Luther King Jr. was involved in the Civil Rights Movement during the 60s. King was influenced by advocates of nonviolence such as Mahatma Gandhi. He wanted to seek equality for AfricanR ead MoreThe Fight for Social Justice Essay892 Words   |  4 Pagesthe fight for social justice and the common good comes at a great cost to those involved. Through writings such as Dr. Martin Luther King’s â€Å"Letter from a Birmingham Jail† and Sophocles’ â€Å"Antigone†, as well as, lectures such as Dr.Colbourn’s lecture â€Å"Confronting History and the Good Life: Life after Rosewood† it is demonstrated how life, freedom, and a normal everyday life suffer as a cost of fighting for social justice and the common good. To begin with, Dr. Martin Luther King as well as many otherRead MoreRhetorical Analysis Of Letter From Birmingham Jail1641 Words   |  7 Pages Martin Luther King Jr.’s Letter from Birmingham Jail, there are lots of rhetorical strategies that he uses in response to the eight Alabama clergymen’s letter, A Call for Unity. The clergymen’s letter was criticising Dr. King’s civil rights demonstrations taking place in Alabama. The letter encouraged civil rights activists to negotiate instead of protesting and King’s letter responded arguing that it is necessary for them to take civil action and counters their claim by using ethos, asking rhetoricalRead MoreComparing Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela1041 Words   |  5 Pageslives of Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela. I. Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela performed similar actions in their lives. A. In 1955, Martin Luther King, Jr., fought for the civil rights of the black population in America. B. Similarly, in South Africa, Nelson Mandela fought for the freedom of blacks from apartheid. II. Another similarity between King and Mandela is that they had the same beliefs. A. King firmly supported his nonviolence protest movement for the equality of blacksRead MoreAnalysis Of Martin Luther Kings I Have A Dream Speech1031 Words   |  5 Pagesor you will fail for anything.† Being one of the influential quotes of all-time, Martin Luther King Jr. did not fail to expound on her statement. In his life as well as Martin Luther King Jr’s â€Å"I Have a Dream† speech, he was an avid and determined African American striving for racial equality. He allowed for others to follow his lead, and to continue his legacy as the U.S continues to live on as a nation of freedom, liberty, and a home of safe living. King’s presentation addresses the African AmericanRead MoreDr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay1134 Words   |  5 Pages human rights, and power and how history makers such as Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and Mahatma Gandhi (just to name these few) helped to redress them to an extent and how theirs efforts shape contemporary events. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born on 15 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia and is one of the most remembered Human Rights Activists in America history. He is remembered for his nonviolent fight for racial equality and justice to the black race and color men minority in general. HisRead MoreRhetorical Analysis Of Martin Luther Kings I Have A Dream1140 Words   |  5 PagesRhetorical Analysis African American Baptist minister and activist, Martin Luther King, Jr., in his â€Å"I Have a Dream† speech, addresses racism against Negros and demands equal rights and freedoms. King’s purpose is to motivate his audience to join him in fighting for what they deserve. He shifts from an urgent, demanding tone at the beginning of the speech to a more hopeful and patriotic tone towards the end. Throughout the speech, Dr. King appeals to the audience’s desire to better their futures by utilizing

What does it mean to be Educated free essay sample

When thinking about education, for the most part one always thinks about school. Is education really just about school or what does it mean to be educated is the big question. Each person has their own view and opinion on what it means to be â€Å"educated†. Some may say one with a college degree is â€Å"educated†. Others may say one is â€Å"educated† when they have real life learning experiences under their belt. Really who decides what it means to be â€Å"educated†? In this writing I will explain my view on what it means to be â€Å"educated† and voice some of the other opinions for the people who share similar ideas with me. One person that really analyzes what is wrong with the youth of today is Mark Edmunson. He thinks, â€Å"I want some of them to say they’ve been changed by the class†¦ I don’t teach to amuse, to divert, or even, for that matter to be merely interesting (323). † In his writing he would talk about how kids are there to be entertained and were expecting school to be easy. I believe that may be one wrong idea that our society has about education. Students now take everything for granted and feel entitled to an easy education. I see it everyday I go to class. Students will just sit there and not interact at all. They just sit there and don’t try at all and expect to breeze through that class. Then once they realize they’re doing horrible they try to blame the teacher for not teaching good enough. When really it’s not the teacher’s responsibility at all it is the student’s job to learn. It’s really society I think that has led students to think this. I believe it starts in elementary school which it should be allowed. I think it goes wrong when junior high and high school teachers allow their students to have that mindset. I think they give them that mindset by being too easy on them. That is one of my ideas about education and how society I think has the wrong idea about it. In order for that to change and get kids more interested in education, I think the parents and teachers need to work together to try to resolve the issue. It cannot just be one or the other trying to push education. As for the parents, some parents don’t even care about education at all. When their kid gets home and complains about school or how much homework they have, many parents will agree with their child and sympathize with them that they get too much work or their teacher isn’t good enough. Well in most cases the teacher does fine and they don’t give too much homework. Most of the time students are lazy and just don’t want to get any work done. In order for that to change I think it’s important that parents support the education system. Also for parents to give positive reinforcement, like help their child with the homework they have trouble with or maybe discuss with the teacher their child is having. Something else parents can maybe think about doing is giving their child an incentive for doing well in school. Maybe like an award or something along those lines. Overall I think the parents can have a major impact on getting their kids motivated to learn and can change their kids attitude about education fairly easy. Another writer who caught my attention was Kozol in his writing â€Å"Still separate, still unequal.† Kozol looked at many different schools and found that there was always a dominant race at the schools. In the public schools and schools where it was claimed to be â€Å"ghetto† the population at those schools were mostly black and Hispanic. At the private schools and the schools that were in a better â€Å"area of town† were mostly white. These weren’t little dominances in these schools either it was a major population diversion. Kozol states, â€Å"At John F. Kennedy school 93 percent of more than 4,000 students were either black or Mexican, only 3.5 percent were white (406).† That represents that there is still a huge diversity in our schools. I believe one thing that makes our education system like this is the economics involved with it. The white people can afford to go too better school while the other races are forced to go to public schools. Now I’m not trying to be raciest but it just works itself out that way. Theres also more behind it than just the economics, there’s also the mentality aspect of it. Some of the white kids just get transferred to a different school because their parents may like the location more. Then economics doesn’t really have anything to do with it since it doesn’t cost money to transfer ones kid to another public school. Something else that Intrigues me is what people think about the segregation that takes place in the schools around the country. Many people don’t even know it exists. Or if they do know they don’t realize how much segregation there is. To put it in perspective, in one of the schools there were 93 percent blacks and Hispanics and 3.5 percent whites. That’s like 31 black and Hispanics for every white kid. What do people think about this? I’m sure if more people knew about it something might actually take place and there might be some change. People don’t like to see stuff like this. They like when everyone is mixed and everyone is happy together. When there is a major racial difference in schools it shows that some people aren’t comfortable with some other races. While people are like that, I think it’s wrong and I think it’s something we need to get over as a society. Segregation was once a big issue during MlK’s time. After that everyone thought that it disappeared. Little do they know that it never completely went away. It’s very much here to this day. On top of that It exists most in children’s lives where the youth of today will be adults of tomorrow. If we don’t do anything about this issue, it seems as though history will keep repeating itself.