Ap English Language – Synthesis Essay Example

Along with many other problems, global warming has become one of the top issues in the world. As the consequence of emitting carbon dioxide, the world’s temperature has risen from the past. Despite the fact that there is statistical evidence, there have been controversies as in how much effort should be put in to solve the issue of global warming.

The seriousness of global warming is evident. “In the 20th century, the world’s average surface temperature rose by… the fastest rate in any period over the last 1,000 years.” (Source A) In the ocean, the surface temperature increased nearly 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit from about 100 years ago. (Source B) It is not only people who are affected by global warming. Nowadays, “each spring, the robins are arriving in Wisconsin several days earlier than they did a decade ago” (Source F) These significant changes to the world has alarmed people and evoked efforts to stop global warming.

In order to prevent global warming from getting worse, people have put in efforts in reducing carbon dioxide emissions. States and cities are setting goals for renewable energy. In New York, the aim is to “generate 25% of the state’s energy from renewables.” (Source C) For cities, “nearly 200 mayors have pledged to curb greenhouse gases in their cities.” (Source C) It is said that the “protection and restoration of forests may be able to offset up to 20 percent of carbon dioxide emissions.” (Source A) All of these efforts can contribute to stop global warming. However, the idea of prioritization is keeping people from fully engaging in preventing global warming. “34 industrialized nations legally bound to cut emissions, excluding the U.S., China and Australia.” (Source C) These three countries represent one of the flaws in the Kyoto Protocol. For the United States of America, cutting their carbon dioxide emissions by over a third would have greatly risked the economy of the country. (Source E) Prioritizing the economy of their nation rather than global warming discouraged the US from agreeing to ratify the Kyoto Protocol. (Source E) These difficulties restrict countries from actively participating in solving the worldwide issue of global warming. Although efforts are made, with such restrictions, the Kyoto Protocol “does not go far enough”. (Source E)