Summary Of The Novel 'Eaarth' By Bill Mckibben

Mckibben inaugurates his third paragraph suggesting that we make the environmental issues, “"the great moral crisis of our time, and the equivalent of the civil rights movement of the 1960s."(747). He uses this analogy to explain that in his opinion, we are strip-mining the present and destroying all of whom come after it. Thus, leading him to discuss exactly how humans’ materialistic ways have impacted the earth. From Bangladesh living three months in thigh high-deep water, to polar bears becoming “20% scrawnier than they were a decade ago” (748). The environmentalist writer goes on to discuss how to deal with global warming since it is indeed creeping up on us.

In the first chapter of Eaarth, the author, Bill Mckibben, discusses the differences between the “old” earth, compared to the “new” earth. Further, on the one hand, Mckibben describes the old earth as a less industrialized, but more stable planet; and, on the other hand, Mckibben describes the new earth as a highly developed, but deteriorating planet. It appears that Mckibben attributes the destruction of the planet to climate change. More specifically, Mckibben describes the circumstances under which human civilization lived under for ten thousand years, and compares it to how the conditions of the earth has drastically changed over just four decades; conditions which we currently live under today. Further, Mckibben (2010) describes how humans were able to build civilizations near stable and tame seas and water sources, build communities at high altitudes, and rely upon a predictable weather pattern to enhance their farming abilities (p. 11). Conversely, Mckibben provides accounts from people worldwide describing the devastating conditions that they are experiencing today (i.e. hotter temperatures for a longer period of time, more

McKibben provides statistics which help to strengthen his stance on global warming. He starts the article entitled, “Global Warming's Terrifying New Math” by referring to relatable everyday situations. McKibben wants to influence and inform others about global warming, and with that goal in mind, he needs to grab the reader’s attention with his writing. It’s essential for the author to provide a way to help the readers see that there is an issue occurring with the continual warming of the world. He refers to the increase in peoples “size of AC bills”, and “towering wild fires” as examples in referring to the increasing temperatures (McKibben 1). An increase in an AC bill is an example that is very relatable event in the average renter/home owner’s life. When readers can easily relate to the topic, then they consequently tend to become more sympathetic and understanding of the situation. This tactic is one that McKibben uses many times, and it’s proving to be effective. An example, like this can show people that global warming does affect their everyday lives. It adds realization to the situation. It’s a good opener and the author has the attention of the readers. The opening paragraph also refers to the

In the first chapter of Eearth, McKibben states that for the majority of human existence we have lived in the “sweetest of sweet spots”. This is a reference to Earth when it had a “correct” temperature for sustaining a diverse world. This diverse world had contained all walks of life that it was able to sustain due to the globally average temperature. Later in that chapter, McKibben states we no longer live on that planet, and that it might as well have a different name because of how much this planet has changed. The purpose of this paper is to structuralize McKibben’s thought process through a summary of why the increase of carbon dioxide emissions has created and is still creating an alternative Earth, while exploring why it is so hard for civilization to cut down on these carbon emissions.

The essay opens up with McKibben talking about how the political campaign against global warming is flawed because at our current point there is nothing much that can be done to fix it.(Mckibben,1) He then goes to state that humans are the biggest culprit behind global warming and supports this by giving examples such as SUVs and American ignorance.(2,9) He concludes by saying that if ten percent of America were to go green, it still would not save the planet, but ten percent could get the government’s attention to pass laws making everyone go green. (11)

Climate scientists have recently become progressively worried about the survival of the human race. There is a lot of evidence that virtually all climatologists, ‘are now convinced that global warming poses a clear and present danger to civilization’. Other informed journalists also share this concern. The climate crisis ‘threatens the survival of our civilization,’ said Pulitzer Prize-winner Ross Gelbspan. The continuation of global warming would seemingly create conditions all but certain

Global climate change is a hot point of contention on an international scale. This subject went from ridicule, mockery, and doubt to massive grassroots and nonprofit movements, heated debates, and media headlines. Though there exists scientific research that dates back into the mid 20th century regarding impending climate change, the subject was not take seriously by massive audiences until the 21st century. At first the debate over global warming was whether or not it existed. The debate has evolved into whose fault is it and strategies for counteracting or reversing the damage. The paper will provide a brief history of this debate as well as a current understanding of both side of the argument. The paper aims to define ways in which humanity both contributes and combats global climate change.

“If we do not change our negative habits toward climate change, we can count on worldwide disruptions in food production, resulting in mass migration, refugee crises and increased conflict over scarce natural resources like water and farm land. This is a recipe for major security problems” Michael Franti. Nevertheless climate change has been an ongoing under addressed problem the world continues to face. If climate change continues it will result in seriously fatal problems such as economic loss and illness, stronger storms, food and clean water shortages.

Since the beginning of the Earth’s existence, climate change has occurred. Temperatures, sea levels, quantities of gases in the atmosphere, and levels of precipitation have risen and fallen over a span of billions of years. However, over the last two centuries, climate change has been far too drastic to be caused by natural forces alone. Globally, the alterations in temperatures, sea levels, precipitation, melting of ice caps and glaciers, and violence of natural disasters are clearly caused by another factor, in addition to natural climate drivers. Acknowledging the fact that climate change is indeed occurring, the blame for this change must be placed somewhere. Combined with natural causes, it is evident that the activities of human beings are a significant cause of global climate change.

Humans used to have a good relationship with Mother Earth, but with civilization came a breaking point. As we started building cities and industries, the misuse of natural resources changed the environment. We continue to tear up the planet scavenging for coal and oil that results in our wildlife and forests diminishing. Human anthropogenic activities are changing the natural greenhouse gases. Things like burning of fossil fuels has significantly increased the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide. In the article Change We Must Believe In Kurt Cuffey, a professor of the department of Earth and Planetary sciences at the University of California, Berkeley, brings attention to future problems Earth

When the topic of global warming comes up in conversation many people either groan and avoid conversation, or don their dueling gloves and prepare for a heated debate. Some people feel guilty and concerned; some simply do not care. Different points of view yield different stances on the subject. Coming from the scientific and environmental points of view, myrmecologist Edward O. Wilson discusses the severity of global warming, some of the threads of thought that oppose his own, and some of the consequences of continued mistreatment of the environment in his book The Future of Life. While some people may claim ignorance on the subject, global warming and substantial data showing annual increases in global temperature have been broadcast

Over the course of this class we have discussed the importance of climate change and the different factors that either help or harm the climate in different ways. We have discussed greenhouse gases, changes in earths orbit around the sun, and the fluctuating changes in the environmental temperature. Earth’s climate was healthier, cleaner, and possibly even warmer in past history. Climate change is not caused by any individual and not just changed on a whim, climate change occurs naturally. Human existence has contributed to the increase of global temperature and also the increase in the build up of CO2 in the atmosphere. Chapter 1 in the book states, “Unintended byproducts of agricultural, industrial, and other human activities can influence climate. Anthropogenic forcing occurs mainly by the way of additions of CO2 and other greenhouse gasses to the atmosphere”. Even though Earth’s climate did change well before humans were brought into existence, humans are exacerbating the condition of the climate with all the CO2 concentration that is being used everyday by things you might not see as being harmful. This paper will discuss the history of climate change throughout the years, the human affect, and what individuals can do to help the environment, along with what actions the government can take to lessen the climate from changing.

Over the years, it has been evident through the reported news that the weather in many parts of the world is unpredictable. Climate change is a large-scale, long-term shift in the planet's weather patterns or average temperatures (Met Office, 2015). Climate Change has not always been political until it has gained the attention of many politicians across the world to advocate a change in countering climate change during the late 1970s. There are issues such as climate migration and strain relationships between countries have resulted from global warming. Since then, politicians, scientists, and world leaders have come together to find feasible solutions to try mending the damages done. This essay will look at how improving relations between countries, implementation of improved policies and educating societies may be feasible solutions to face climate change.

Today, there are reports of the effect of climate change that we often hear or see. Their effect of climate change is everywhere. In the past, there has been a report of drought in Somalia that causes the entire nation to go hungry and caused the lives of many of its citizens due to farming caused by the drought. According to Lindley (2014), this crisis generated and was exacerbated by high levels of forced displacement, with around a quarter of population displaced within the Somali territories and abroad in 2011. In recent time, we have seen what Hurricanes Harvey and Maria have done to people Texas and Puerto Rico. Yet there are some who argue that climate change does not exist while other say that climate change does exist. Some have a degree and other have disagreed that climate change exists. We will discuss why we most agree that climate change does exist.

“Ever since civilization began, each generation has left the next planet similar to the one it inherited. Our generation may be the first to abandon that tradition” (Brown, 2009). It is clear the amount of damage that has been done to the environment is due to this current generation and the problem I will be focusing on is climate change.