Memo Assignment #3: Science & Global Warming

Reading:

You should read the following readings and come to class prepared to discuss it. The reading will also help you prepare the written assignment described below. Other class readings, videos, handouts, and web sites may also be of use in preparing your written assignment.

Memo assignment #3: Is Human Activity Responsible for Global Warming?

Directions:

Write a memo that answers the question posed in the title of the readings. Be sure that your memo is argumentative in nature and supports your conclusions with examples from the readings or the videos we have seen in class. When writing your response, be sure to avoid inaccurate stereotypes. Be sure to read the articles on improving your writing and memos distributed early in the semester as they will help you prepare the assignment.

Web & Other Resources

The following websites and readings may help you in preparing this assignment.

	See this collection of articles by climate change skeptics and others which present evidence that is inconsistent with the Global Warming hypothesis (Download by clicking here).
	See this collection of articles that looks at various attempts to regulate and control CO2 emissions (Download by clicking here).
	ClimateGate - See this collection of articles that traces the evolution of ClimateGate and some of the criticisms of the science that lies at the foundation of climate change research (Download by clicking here). You can also view Lord Monckton's report in the aftermath of Climategate (11/09). There is also this YouTube video called "hide the decline" that parodies the Climategate scandal and Michael Mann from Penn State University that you might enjoy.
	For a collection of miscellaneous articles related to global warming & climate change (some are a bit out there) - click here
	Interested in the role that grant funding plays in climate change research? They you might want to read Climate Money - A report detailing the role of money in climate change research (Science & Public Policy Institute - 7/09)
	A lot of arguments by the skeptics are driven by legitimate questions about the data and modeling used to support claims related to climate change and its impacts. For example, The IPCC has been criticized for its shoddy use of science in its reports (See this interesting article in the UK Guardian where head of the IPCC regrets use of false information - 11/19/10). For more detail on the IPCC's use of science see the draft IAC report reviewing IPCC science - 9/10). There is also this interesting article from Science Daily website even questions the validity of a "global temperature". You can read this report Surface Temperature Records: Policy Driven Deception? (Science & Public Policy Institute - 1/10). Sen. Inhofe even authored a position paper attempting to debunk climate change science (Click here to download his 10/07 report), which probably makes him the leading "skeptic" in Congress. Additional examples are contained in the collection of "skeptics" articles linked above.
	NOAA's new Climate portal - www.Climate.gov
	Gallop - Public Opinion Data on Global Warming (3/10)
	Climate Debate Daily - Website with information on both sides of the arguments (good links to other sources)
	GAO report: Climate Change: Observations on Options for Selling Emissions Allowances in Cap -and-Trade Program (GAO-10-377)
	GAO Report - Climate Change: Expert Opinion on the Economics of policy options to Address Climate Change (GAO-08-605)
	Of course, hypocrisy and conflict of interest abounds. Perhaps the best example is Al Gore, who aside from being a "champion" of addressing climate change, is not exactly noted for his personal focus on energy conservation (See this ABC news piece on Al Gore's energy use) and he benefits financially due to carbon offsets due to his connections to companies that profit from these efforts.
	There are also plenty of claims from both sides about "censorship". For example, see this story in the Washington Times about claims that NASA's James Hansen was censored for his views in favor of climate change. Conversely, see this article in the Canadian Free Press by another scientists who makes the counter claim about the politics of climate change.
	Ever wonder how much impact the internet has had on CO2 emissions? See this interesting, and possibly scary article that looks hat the amount of carbon released as a result of a simple web search 9Vancover Sun 6/11).

Format of the Written Assignment

This assignment should take the form of a memo. It is limited to 2 single-spaced, 12 point font pages, with 1 inch margins and must be in a standard memo format. The reason that a memo format is required is that it is the standard means of communication in the world of business and government. Thus, these memo assignments will help you to develop your ability to analyze policy questions and to think, act, and communicate more effectively about environmental issues and problems.

Grading

Your memo should answer the question posed and be argumentative in nature. There is no one "right" answer. Instead, you will be graded on the strength and organization of your arguments as well as the quality of your writing. You may introduce any facts and evidence you wish to support your arguments. If you are unfamiliar with how to write a memo please arrange to see me or my graduate assistant during office hours for assistance.

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