Global Warming and Economic Policy, Lab Report Example

The first of the data reviewed was short-term temperature data. This data, taken from 1961-1990, shows positively that the average global temperature has risen steadily since 1860. However, the temperature was still below its peak for this time period and we do not know the highest global temperature ever reached. To evaluate long-term temperatures, research by paleoclimatologists was reviewed. This research showed that overall, the previous centuries were cooler than the standard period of 1961-1990 and that the average global temperature steadily dropped, then rose sharply in the 20^th century. Take note, the time of the industrial revolution was the coolest century in the past 1,000 years. Next, data about atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide were reviewed. Data shows that concentration levels have risen steadily, about 17% in all, since the 1950s. Carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels have been rising steadily over time, with sharp increases at certain times and the greatest increase in the last 50 years. Finally, to decide if there is a connection between the rise in global temperatures and the rise in fossil fuel combustions, data from the weather station and paleoclimatology studies were combined and compared to the carbon dioxide concentration data. A graph of the compared data shows that both global temperatures and carbon dioxide emissions have been much higher in the 20^th century and both have reached their peak in the last 50 years. However, while carbon dioxide emissions have risen steadily, global temps have varied. It can be concluded that while there is not an exact correlation between temperatures and emissions, there is a strong general correlation.

Based on this strong general correlation, I would advise that data continue to be collected and reviewed on an ongoing basis. Since the data shows that increased fossil fuel combustions have an impact on increased carbon dioxide emissions, I recommend the administration promote policy changes that will decrease the use of fossil fuels.

Bibliography

Climatic Research Unit. Climatic Research Unit. 2010. 17 Oct. 2010 <http://www.cru.uea.ac.uk/>.

noaa research. Climate research. 29 June 2010. 17 Oct 2010 <http://www.research.noaa.gov/climate/>.

Page Paleontological Science Center. Paleoclimatology – The Study of Ancient Climates . 2010. 17 Oct. 2010 <http://www.lakepowell.net/sciencecenter/paleoclimate.htm>.

You Decide: Does Human Activity Cause Global Warming? 17 Oct. 2010 <http://media.pearsoncmg.com/bc/bc_campbell_essentials_4/YouDecide_qz/warming.html>.