The Food Chain's Future

It is a known fact that plants need CO2 and sunlight to grow, but how much is too much? Will crops suffer from the effects of global warming? The answer: yes.

Previously, scientists believed that crop production would flourish with increased CO2 and sunlight. However, we now know that, though increased CO2 will be beneficial for crops, the effects of droughts, heat, and ozone will outweigh any positive effects. Upon experimenting with and studying corn under the simulations of growing conditions in the future, scientists discovered not only discovered yellow streaks on the corn, but also that corn production was diminished and that the crops had less nutrition. 

So what are scientists doing? Well, it turns out that some plants are more resilient to future conditions than others. If we could isolate the specific traits that make them so, we could alter other plants to make them more resilient as well. 

From studying our food in the future, we realize global warming really is a prominent problem. To me, the fact that even simple things most take for granted, such as food, will be effected by global warming is quite concerning. What do you think?

Source: http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/09/23/science/testing-future-conditions-for-the-food-chain.html?emc=eta1&_r=0&referrer=

Next week: Capturing Carbon

Myths

Hello all! This will be my first post of the 2014-2015 school year, and in honor of that, I want to make it one that I'm sure most of you will enjoy reading: Myths about global warming. Some of the myths I mention may seem unbelievable, while others, maybe even you thought were true. Whether, you think you know it all about climate change or on the contrary, I hope that everyone will find this post worthwhile and interesting.

MYTH #1: It's not worth it...
False.

Though some may say that climate change will not be as bad as expected, that means that one also must account for if it's worse than expected. People even now doubt the effects of climate change, saying that they have been exaggerated and that for a seemingly high cost, it won't make much difference in every day life if we try to prevent any further climate change. True, one can never predict with 100% certainty how bad climate change will be, however, though this means that climate change could be much less a problem than anticipated, it also means that climate change could be a lot worse than anticipated. Better safe than sorry! Additionally, as far as it being expensive and difficult to reduce greenhouse gases, it's actually not that bad, bringing us to our next myths.

MYTH #2: It's too hard...
False.

While people claim that slowing climate change would be extremely difficult, the truth of the matter is that with a simple carbon tax, our footprint would be diminished dramatically. How do we know? Well the same concept of taxing things based on a certain category (ie. how much CO2 is emitted) worked in the past when we had to reduce sulfur dioxide to prevent acid rain in 1995. Additionally, this wouldn't actually cost the public as much as one might assume, because once a tax is set in place, the population will try their hardest to reduce the amount they pay, thus consequently reducing how much CO2 is emitted. 

MYTH #3: More unemployed citizens...
False.

A carbon tax alone, would actually increase the number of jobs. This is mainly due to the fact that large corporations would hire people to find ways to make their companies more green. 

MYTH #4: Too much $ for me...
False.

Although it may seem as though a carbon tax would increase the amount of money an average citizen has to pay towards the government, this could be deducted from other taxes. Plus, by lowering out greenhouse gas emissions as the result of a carbon tax, we would be preventing future disasters that could cost the government a lot of money. A White House even stated this recently!

MYTH #5: It won't do anything...
False.

Preventing any further climate change altogether would take efforts all around the world, yes, however, if America was to enforce a carbon tax, it would influence and affect the rest of the world. This would not only be a first step towards stopping global warming, it would mean global participation, opening numerous doors to a greener earth.

MYTH #6: Violation of freedom!
False.

Climate change has already harmed not only the earth, but people as well. This is not about us anymore, it's about our future and the damage that will happen if we don't do something to reduce greenhouse gasses now. It is certainly not a violation of freedom to try to prevent future disasters.

What do you think? Do you know any other myths you want to share? Do you have any questions about something that you might have heard? Feel free to comment below.

Source: http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/08/03/upshot/shattering-myths-to-help-the-climate.html?referrer=&_r=0

Next week: The Food Chain in the Future