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Step 1
Study environmental issues to learn more. Before you start to make any decision about the issues, take some time to learn what the major issues are and see what both sides are saying. Check out the Global Issues website for an overview of the debate by choosing "Environmental Issues" from the menu. Also, monitor the Science Daily website for environmental news.
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Step 2
Decide whether global warming is caused by humans or whether what some people call global warming is simply part of a natural cycle. People who support environmental issues generally claim global warming is caused by or worsened by human activities, such as burning fossil fuels. However, many people on the other side believe it is a natural cycle which humans cannot influence.
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Step 3
Become familiar with what scientists have to say about global warming and environmental issues. Whether you end up agreeing with scientists or disagreeing with them, they are a key group in the debate. Monitor the science sections of major news publications, but also science journals, such as "Nature."
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Step 4
Determine the proper balance between keeping the natural environment pristine and using its resources. On one side, some say we must limit our use of the planet's resources so they will be around for future generations and so we do not harm the earth. However, people on the other side of the debate say we can accomplish these goals without halting business development.
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Step 5
Make a choice to support drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge or to support leaving the oil field untapped. A major source of oil could be in the National Wildlife Refuge, but some people say we could hurt wildlife by drilling for oil there.
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Step 6
Think about whether the United States should pledge to support the Kyoto Treaty. The treaty calls on nations to pledge support for cutting the carbon emissions they put into the air. Kyoto Treat supporters say the United States should join with the rest of the world to help the environment. Opponents say the United States should not participate because abiding by the Kyoto Treaty would hurt our economy.
Comments
organicthoughts said
on 6/4/2009 Interesting!
oneloved said
on 10/15/2008 Step 3 is inaccurate. There are respected scientists on BOTH sides of this issue, and taking one position will cause you to agree with one set of scientists, and disagree with another. To suggest that all legitimate scientists take the same position is false. For more info, read "The Deniers" by Lawrence Solomon.