Emilia Carson

Period 6-7
December 8, 2014
Global Warming
Draft 3

What I Learned
I have learned a lot about global warming from this research process. I have gained an
abundance of information on this topic, on how to research, and about myself. I found this paper
very tedious, because I felt like I was repeating the same facts in all of my research journeys. It
was also very lengthy and consumed a ton of my time. However, I pushed through it and
completed all of my papers. This time consuming process was worth it because I learned an
extraordinary amount on global warming. I went from knowing almost nothing on this topic to
practically being an expert. I found the most information on the process, effects, and what can be
done about global warming. During this project, I found that researching was very complicated. I
had to make sure my sources were credible by using a database or credibility checklist. Then, I
had to take notes by quoting, paraphrasing, or summarizing my sources. A few challenges I faced
were having enough time to finish, and finding websites that complied to everything on the
credibility list. I gained time-management skills that can help me throughout my life. I learned a
lot about global warming, the research process, and myself. These sources gave me lots of
interesting facts about global warming. They also answered my guiding question. I wanted to
know what can be done to solve the horrible effects that are caused by the process of global
warming.
Global warming is the heating up of our atmosphere. It is caused mostly by greenhouse
gases, which trap the heat from the sun in. Global warming is a huge issue and its effects could
get even worse than they are currently. Many programs and people have taken action to prevent
global warming, but there is a lot more that should be done to stop it. My sources gave me
information on all of these things.
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Emilia Carson
Period 6-7
December 8, 2014
Global Warming
Draft 3

I acquired knowledge on the process of global warming, and how it is caused. I learned
mostly about greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases are collecting in the atmosphere and act like a
blanket by trapping the suns warmth from escaping. This causes the planet to heat up. Coalburning power plants and automobiles are the largest source of carbon dioxide pollution in the
United States, which is one of the leading countries in causing global warming. This is because
they produce massive amounts of carbon dioxide, which accounts for most of global warming.
According to the book Global Warming For Dummies, by Elizabeth May and Zoe Caron, as of
2009, carbon dioxide accounted for 63 percent of the gas warming effect and these rates are
accelerating. This means that carbon dioxide is one of the main causes of global warming. If the
United States wants to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases created, we need to stop
producing so much carbon dioxide. This is imperative, because global warming leads to many
horrible effects.
This research project helped me to find a ton of information on the effects of global
warming. A few of the major effects are drought and wildfires, because of the increasing heat. It
also melts glaciers, which can pour into the sea, causing water levels to rise. Also, global
warming shortens snow accumulation and winter seasons. As stated by the Natural Resources
Defense Council website, Since the early 1950s, snow accumulation has declined 60 percent
and winter seasons have shortened . This is for the same reason that ice is melting; the heat
causes snow and ice to liquify, so winter does not last as long. My interviewee, Mrs. Kane, told
me about the biggest changes global warming creates. She explained to me, I would say severe
weather events are one of the biggest problems. Global warming makes hurricanes stronger,
melts ice caps, and creates extreme temperatures. She is saying that global warming creates
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Emilia Carson
Period 6-7
December 8, 2014
Global Warming
Draft 3

harsher weather changes by heating up our earth.These are the biggest problems because they
often have a domino effect and lead to even more problems, like animals habitats disappearing,
or islands being drowned. We need to take action against global warming to stop these effects
from becoming more powerful.
There are many things that can been done to prevent global warming. Individuals can
take action by changing their daily life slightly. From the National Resources Defense Council
(NRDC), I learned that choosing a compact fluorescent light bulb instead of using an
incandescent bulb reduces the amount of energy and emissions created. Also, my interviewee
stated that we should continue to embrace new technology, like hybrids, that reduce greenhouse
gases. (Kane) These two changes are very simple, but greatly reduce the amount of greenhouse
gases. Therefore, if many individuals follow these steps, it could stop global warming. Not only
are there measures that people should take on their own, companies can also reduce global
warming. If businesses reduce the amount of gases they burn, global warming could be
significantly reduced. A few companies like Whole Foods and HSBC are already doing this.
They are trying to reduce the carbon dioxide levels they create(Time). Carbon dioxide is one of
the most impactive greenhouse gases, which means if more companies like these try to reduce
the gases, less heat will be trapped in the atmosphere, and global warming will not accelerate.
Companies and businesses should help to prevent global warming, as well as individuals. The
things that can be done to stop global warming is just one aspect of global warming I have
learned about.
I have learned a ton of information on global warming from this research journey;
especially about the process of global warming, its effects, and what can be done to prevent
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Emilia Carson
Period 6-7
December 8, 2014
Global Warming
Draft 3

global warming. Global warming, which is caused by greenhouse gases, is a catalyst to many
events, like stronger hurricanes, warmer temperatures, melting ice, and rising sea levels.
However, there are several things that individuals and businesses can do to stop global warming
and the problems it has created. Not only did I find facts from completing this paper; I learned
about the research journey and about myself. I was taught how to find and evaluate sources, and
how to summarize a paper. I also gained time management skills and organization. Throughout
this paper, I found that my role was an educator and advocator. We need to educate others on this
problem, and take action against global warming. For more information on global warming, or to
make a donation, people can go to the website of the Natural Resources Defense Council. Global
warming is a serious issue and it is imperative to stop it from getting worse.

Works Cited
"Global Warming Fast Facts." National Geographic. National Geographic Society, n.d.
Web. 08 Nov. 2014.
<http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/12/1206_041206_global_warming.ht
ml>.
"Global Warming Heats Up." Time Magazine. N.p., 26 Mar. 2006. Web. 11 Nov. 2014.
<http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1176980,00.html>.

Emilia Carson
Period 6-7
December 8, 2014
Global Warming
Draft 3

"Global Warming." Union of Concerned Scientists. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Nov. 2014.
<http://www.ucsusa.org/global_warming#.VId9QjHF_nh>.
May, Elizabeth, and Zoe Caron. Global Warming for Dummies. Mississauga, ON: J.
Wiley & Sons Canada, 2009. Print.
Minkel, Dan. Global Warming. Farmington Hills, MI: Greenhaven, 2007. Print.
"NRDC: Global Warming Basics." NRDC: Natural Resources Defense Council - The
Earth's Best Defense. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Nov. 2014.
<http://www.nrdc.org/globalWarming/f101.asp>.
"What Is Global Warming?" National Geographic. National Geographic Society, n.d.
Web. 11 Nov. 2014. <http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/global-warming/gwoverview/>.