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Huge snowstorms, glaciers melting in the frigid north, flooding, the disappearence of several specaies and the endangerment of more like the polar bear- coincidences, or part of a greater problem? The effects of global warming can be detrimental to life on earth as well as human affairs. In the 20th century, the average temperature rose 1 degree farenheit, the fastest it has risen in 1000 years (Source A). Many argue that the environment is not the most important cause to spend money on, but it is not just money that can help save it. Further efforts to decrease global warming should be made not only with money, but by encouraging the developing countries to lower their negative impact on the environment because fossil fuels will ultimately harm third-world countries, individual cities and states are already taking initiative, and Earth's changing climate hurts the flora and fauna.

The sale of fossil fuels may temporarily stimulate the economy, but it is truly an expendable resource and would only place third-world countries in the same position as the U.S. The economy has already begun to decline in the U.S. as "oil and gas prices reach record levels" (Source C). Oil companies know that there is a limited supply of oil left in the world, making this an expenable as well as harmful resource. However, the U.S. and other developed ccountries have already become dependent on the sale of oil, which is why pollution is so much worse in these nations. If such fossil fuels were marketted third-world countries, those nations would become dependent on oil too, creating an even larger demand and forcing prices to skyrocket. But this problem can be solved because the sale of "fuel-saving technologies and renewable energy is also getting more compelling" (Source C). If these renewable energy resources were introduced to third-world countries, they would not be as dependent on oil and their economies could still improve. Some say that only the rich can "afford the relative luxury of caring about the environment," when in reality products like hybrid cars end up paying for themselves with better gas mileage (Source D). Reducing global warming is not only a financial effort, but an awareness effort. As for the money required, it is only "2% of the world's GDP," which is a "very small cost" for such great benefits (Source E). Expand more upon this quote. Add in what the benefits would be

The U.S.was one of the only world countries to not ratify the Kyoto Protocol to reduce global warming, although smaller communities have taken the step forward in reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The U.S. and Australia "account for one-quarter of the world's greenhouse gas emission," and yet they did not choose to ratify the treaty (Source A). This shows that some world leaders fear change, a threat to the economy, and the chance of losing the next election. Communities take more initiatives than large countries, which is embarassing and shows the ignorance of the U.S. The fossil fuel supply will run out eventually, and the U.S. will have nowhere to turn if it does not start resource reform soon. States such as "power hogs California and Texas have set requirements or goals for renewable energy," showing change is possible and welcomed by some (Source C). In fact, in the U.K., there is much less carbon dioxide emission because less people drive gas-guzzling cars and throw less trash away, which protects the environment. The U.S. and Australia can learn from countries like this because the U.K. could be more advanced when oil drops in the market. New York, known for its pollution, "aims to generate 25% of the state's energy from renewables" (Source C). States and communities are making valient efforts to save the planet while it is still possible, and if the U.S. followed their lead, it could help third-world countries in their development. Third-world countries may not be able to afford hybrid cars or fluorescent lightbulbs now, but if the U.s. sets the standard for these products, they could one day be cheap enough and save impoverished countries.

Besides the plight of humans, global warming has a direct effect on the wellbeing of the flora and fauna and could produce disastrous results. A study from Stanford "says man-made global warming is clearly to blame" for early signs of spring (Source F). Birds' migration patterns are off, species are forced to compete when they should not have been in contact anyways, and some species are in danger for their lives. For example, early birds might "crowd out birds that migrate only in longer daylight, leaving them insufficient food" (Source F). This means that many of both species of birds will die because of the confusion caused by the warming of the earth's termprature. Global warming has ruined ecosystems as species are forced to migrate earlier and further north, which throws off the food chain as well as the available habitat space for species. Global warming comes "from the burning of fossil fuels," showing a direct link from the poor choices of a country to the harm of animals (Source F). Cherry blossoms bloom a month early than they were supposed to, subjecting them to the harshness of sudden frost that often comes. Species such as the polar bear could die off completely as their usual frigid climates change. If countries do not act to save these plants and animals, the spring may be silent one day.

Nations fear that cutting back on fossil fuels will harm the economy when in reality could be the saving grace that developed nations need to pull them out of recession. Restate thesis statement in first sentence If renewable energy sources are promoted and regulated, they could bolster the economy of the U.S. as well as third-world countries. Also, individuals can do more than just change energy sources- recycling, planting trees, and actions as simple as turning off the lights can improve the state of global warming. Governments should encourage their citizens to do these things so money is not the only factor in saving the environment.

﻿You have good details, cover a broad range of issues and write clearly and succinctly. :)

