Science Assignment 2

Global Warming/Climate Change

Global Warming and Climate Change are usually used incorrectly interchangeable. There are differences that should be noted and actions that should be taken to decrease their ample situation. Climate change is the change in regional areas. This includes temperature, humidity, precipitation, and severe weather. Global warming is the overall increasing temperature of the earth. There are steps that can be taken to prevent both global warming and climate change. One way is lower the amount of trees that are being cut down. Also the same amount that gets cut should be replaced with new trees to grow. Another way is to unplug electrical equipment when it is not being used. This is because, humans use more electricity with their appliances turned off than when they are on. There are many more ways that can help the world. They can be as small as taking a bike or alternate ride to work.

Nuclear Weapons

Both of the presidential candidates support the U.S.-India nuclear agreement. This agreement will end a 30 year ban on sales of nuclear fuel/technology. This ban was constituted because India tested/developed a nuclear bomb. The supporters of this agreement say that it will form a lasting alliance between the United States and the world’s largest democracy. They may support this, but I have a question. "Why would you have this agreement with a nuclear bomb in the specifics of it?" It's just a question; sometimes hard to answer, other times not.

Off Shore Drilling

Offshore drilling usually refers to the removal of resources that are underwater near the shoreline. Both of the campaigns want some drilling to an extent. Some may know when to stop, and others may not. "Why would you drill and hurt animals?" They don't know how much oil they will find, and there is not only one place to drill. The current president wants to drill at a refuge in Alaska. They shouldn't drill at refuges and such because the animals are important to. However, drilling at least to an extent may be necessary right now because of the high gas prices.

Science Assignment 1- View of the Candidates

John McCain/Republican

Global Warming/Climate Change
-wants to have a market based system to curb greenhouse gas emissions
-wants to work with the US international partners to leave a better future for everyone to come -“cap-and –trade” system: this would limit greenhouse gas emissions - The participants would be given permits to the amount of greenhouse gas emission they’d be allowed to have. If they could lower their emission, they could sell their extras permits

Nuclear Weapons
In agreement with the U.S.-India nuclear agreement.

Off Shore Drilling
Wants to lift the ban on off shore drilling as part of his plan to reduce dependence on foreign oil and help gas prices


Barack Obama/Democrat

Global Warming/Climate Change
-As a state senator he has in the past supported bills sought by coal interests
- Obama now calls climate change "one of the greatest moral challenges of our generation,"
-He wants to cut carbon emissions by 80% by 2050 -“
“ He understands how important coal is to the state of Illinois and to the Midwest," said Illinois state Rep. Dan Reitz, a Democrat and former coal miner who sponsored the anti-Kyoto language and campaigned for Obama during the West Virginia primary.”
-“cap-and-trade” program: pollution credits will be auctioned; proceeds will go to investments in a clean energy future, habitat protection, and relief for families.

Nuclear Weapons
-In agreement with the U.S.-India nuclear agreement.
- willing to meet with the leaders of all nations, friend and foe

Off Shore Drilling
Supports limited offshore drilling
** “if that’s what it takes to enact a comprehensive policy to foster fuel-efficient autos and develop alternate energy sources.”

Science Assignment 1

1) The environment-
a) Climate Change is changes in regional climate characteristics. It is important to Americans because they fear that if action is not taken, then the world will result in global instability. Climate change includes the temperatures whether average or daily weather pattern at daytime and nighttime. This topic also includes humidity, precipitation, air pressure and winds. Also, climate change includes storm events (recording of the type, average number per year, and seasonal patterns of them). Climate change can occur in a butterfly effect to global warming. Some circumstances that can occur are some areas getting wetter, and some getting drier. Other situations that could occur are increases in severe weather events (i.e. like killer heat waves, hurricanes, and hail storms)

b) Global Warming is a warming of the entire planet, with the basis of the average temperature of the entire surface. Humans are causing greenhouse gas levels to increase quickly, so the temperature is rising faster than it normally would. This warming can lead to the melting of glaciers and ice caps. This would cause some resources to be lost since they supply a fairly large portion of the fresh water used for drinking and irrigation. Another effect could be the rise in sea levels which can put some places underwater, and coastal area having more storm damage. **Ways to cut the greenhouse gases that are used:
- Move closer to work/ use other modes of transportation (i.e. biking, walking, scooters, cycling, or car pull or use the bus)
- Reuse/Consume less
- Stop cutting down so many trees ( just in the tropics alone, timber harvesting puts 1.5 billion metric tons of carbon into the atmosphere) + balance the trees cut down with planting new trees - Unplug (humans use more electrical power with the appliance turned off than on)

2) Nuclear Weapons-U.S.-India nuclear agreement- this agreement will end a 30 year ban on sales of nuclear fuel/technology. This ban was constituted because India tested/developed a nuclear bomb. The supporters of this agreement say that it will form a lasting alliance between the United States and the world’s largest democracy.
*They think this is right and yet it goes against George Washington’s farewell address which they may have heard but not everyone seemed to be listening.

3) Ramifications of off-shore drilling-
a. Oil Spills
b. Produced water- water that is produced along with oil and gas
c. Costly effects of removing the oil platforms- “clean-sea approach”- $621 billion i. Offshore drilling usually refers to the removal of resources that are underwater near the shoreline.
Challenge: the facilities have to be kept above sea level

Science Cartoon Assignment 3