Anthony J. Schack Dr.
Winter ENG 121-031 February 23, 2012 Global Warming – Eden Lost “A Climate Repair Manual” by Gary Stix is about the debate of global warming. The ramifications of not initiating programs to stem the problem is “the most scientific and technical challenge that humanity has ever faced”. Stix addresses the issue of international governments needing to work together to attain “restructuring of the world’s energy economy”. Stix goes on to give various possible low-carbon energy alternatives, such as “biofuels, solar, hydrogen, and nuclear” and that inaction far out weighs “the feared economic damage” that nations face.What I surmised from reading Stix’ text is that his main idea is clear and to the point. Stix wants to wake up and shake up the readers about this grave problem.
Stix’ style gives readers examples of what the consequences of global warming will be in his opening paragraphs. The United States opposed carbon taxes (see Kyoto Protocol-1997- international agreement), but the United States needs to refocus the debate on population issues and levels of energy extraction, however difficult that might be, in order to develop policy for the planets future. I agree with Stix, that” the debate on global warming is over”.The arguments over global warming are viewed differently in different parts of the world. In Europe, for example, global warming has gained wider acceptance than in other parts of the world, most notably the United States.
None of this resembles what we would think of as a crisis because the most serious consequences (“floods, pestilence, hurricanes, drought,--even itchier cases of poison ivy”) are all decades away and will differ around the world. This is a slow-motion disaster. Although the evidence of global climate change remains obvious, there are still arguments about its causes.Stix implies that nations need to agree on a system for change. We can’t stop global warming, but we can slow it down. A frequently used argument in favor of acting now is that any delays will make it more costly and more difficult to prevent (or reduce the effects of) global climate change.
I will say that these half-hearted attempts of solving this issue will only add to the confusion. The need of the hour is clear, time-bound and specific commitment by developed/industrialized economies to take the lead and also rope in emerging economies to tackle this issue. If nothing is done now, our future Eden will be all wet (underwater).
