Global Warming in California

Global warming is an increasing problem around the world. All people and some animals add to this problem in their daily lives. California is the twelfth largest producer of greenhouse gases in the world. California is the first state in the United States to set laws that will reduce the amounts of greenhouse gases that are released into the atmosphere. (Plan to Cut) Many people are for this law, while many are against it.

There are many thoughts as to why global warming is occurring. Some scientists say that it is just the natural cycle of the Earth, therefore it is something that is going to happen no matter how many greenhouse gases there are in the atmosphere. These scientists also say that there is not much that we can do to stop it. (Plan to Cut)

Others say that global warming was brought about by human activity. The 21st century is a highly industrialized world where factories burn a lot of fossil fuels, like coal and oil, to produce their products. The burning of these fossil fuels emits pollutants, like carbon dioxide, into the air. Scientists call these pollutants greenhouse gases. It is believed that heat from the sun comes into the atmosphere, but it will not allow it to leave, which causes the Earth to gradually heat up over time. (Planet In Peril)

Whether or not global warming is part of a natural cycle or created by man, it is a problem that could completely alter the Earth's entire atmosphere. In the 20th century, the Earth's temperature rose about one degree Fahrenheit, but in the past thirty years it has gone up 3 degrees. (Planet it Peril) These warm temperatures can have dramatic effects on the planet. The polar ice caps will eventually melt, which will flood all low lying areas around the world. Some other effects are that people are dying due to heat, more and worse hurricanes are occurring, and toxic plants, animals, and insects are migrating to places they've never been before. (Adapting to a New Reality) Global warming is an immediate problem that is threatening the world.

The California Plan was based on the Kyoto protocol. However the protocol is not as strict. It requires the countries to reduce their emissions by 5 percent the 1999 values, while the California plan requires the emissions to be cut down by 15 percent. (Pro and Con) The Kyoto protocol was never approved by the United States. The government thought that it would hurt the economy too much. (Is our Planet in Peril)

There are many arguments against California's plan on fighting global warming. One of the main arguments is that it will negatively impact the economy. It is estimated that 191,589 jobs would be lost by the year 2010, while the amount of jobs in the rest of the United States would be increasing. (Pro and Con) A new industry may be created because of the new, more energy efficient products. But it is likely that these products will be created in places besides California, therefore, this new industry will not help California's economy. (Taking Big Gamble)

Another argument against the law, is that it will higher the cost of living in California. It already costs more to live and do business in California than other states, and if this law is passed, then this already high