Location
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Start Date
16-4-2011 12:30 PM
End Date
16-4-2011 2:00 PM
Description
In recent decades, the concept of global warming has developed increasing concern among the scientific community and general public alike. What was initially dismissed as little more than unlikely has now become a severe warning for global climate crisis threatening not only our way of life but ultimate future existence on this planet? Global warming is defined as the steady mean increase in atmospheric temperature, the primary asserted cause thereof being increased emissions and inherent atmospheric concentrations of “greenhouse gases” – carbon dioxide in particular. These gases contribute to the greenhouse effect by trapping radiation (from the sun) in the atmosphere. The largest contributor of man-made carbon dioxide is the burning of fossil fuels, especially in regards to energy production and transportation vehicles. As a result, the manufacture and utilization of cars in today’s society is not only perhaps the greatest contributor to human induced global warming but also the single major aspect that everyone can do something about. With present knowledge and considering the potential environmental influence of our collective actions, it's the obligation of human society to restrict its climate change inducing actions if it wishes to persist and thrive as a species.
Keywords
Climatic changes; Environmental ethics; Global warming; Greenhouse gas mitigation
Disciplines
Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment | Environmental Policy | Environmental Sciences | Ethics and Political Philosophy | Oil, Gas, and Energy | Philosophy of Science | Sustainability
Language
English
Included in
Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment Commons, Environmental Policy Commons, Ethics and Political Philosophy Commons, Oil, Gas, and Energy Commons, Philosophy of Science Commons, Sustainability Commons
Global warming: At what point does atmospheric greenhouse gas release become unethical?
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
In recent decades, the concept of global warming has developed increasing concern among the scientific community and general public alike. What was initially dismissed as little more than unlikely has now become a severe warning for global climate crisis threatening not only our way of life but ultimate future existence on this planet? Global warming is defined as the steady mean increase in atmospheric temperature, the primary asserted cause thereof being increased emissions and inherent atmospheric concentrations of “greenhouse gases” – carbon dioxide in particular. These gases contribute to the greenhouse effect by trapping radiation (from the sun) in the atmosphere. The largest contributor of man-made carbon dioxide is the burning of fossil fuels, especially in regards to energy production and transportation vehicles. As a result, the manufacture and utilization of cars in today’s society is not only perhaps the greatest contributor to human induced global warming but also the single major aspect that everyone can do something about. With present knowledge and considering the potential environmental influence of our collective actions, it's the obligation of human society to restrict its climate change inducing actions if it wishes to persist and thrive as a species.