Questions and Topics We Can Help You To Answer:
Paper Instructions:

This is not a traditional question though. Here is the subject: you have a friend who does not
believe in anthropogenic climate change. This person simply cannot believe that humans have
had such a wide reach on the world’s environment, let alone the climate. And to highlight their
position, they state they just saw a report that the area around Atlanta was actually cooling in
long term trends. Also, the Arctic Vortex this past winter in the Northeast of the U.S. provides
evidence that climate change is false and/or naturally occurring. Lastly, their senator has given
several speeches on the subject and has vehemently opposed climate change, and has urged all of
his constituents (including your friend) to oppose the idea that humans can cause climate change.
It is your job to convince your friend that climate change is not only very real, but also primarily
human induced. You do not need to address this essay directly to your friend (but you may do so
if it helps you structure your argument). You will need to bring all of your knowledge of global
change to bear on this essay. Because this is your only written question, I expect about 1000-
1200 words. Here is a helpful hint on how to structure your answer:
1. You should first discuss the basics of climate change (greenhouse gases, weather vs.
climate, carbon cycle, etc.).
2. Second, you should discuss what you learned in previous modules on past global change,
social change, and environmental change. You should mention all of the big themes we
covered, and be concise. 
3. Lastly, circle back to climate change and discuss empirical evidence for climate change.
You may also want to address their ‘facts’ and how authoritative facts do not necessarily
invalidate anthropogenic climate change (The Sagan readings are essential here).
Of course, feel free to answer in any way you like. The above points are just suggestions and
answering in this format does not guarantee you any specific grade. Often times, the best grades
are those where the student takes risks (but adequately addresses all the basics too). Essentially,
I want to know how well you have synthesized this class. Address the generalities of global
change while supporting it with specific facts about various aspects of global change that were
covered throughout the course. Plus, don’t forget that your friend is dealing with certain facts
they believe invalidates climate change, you will want to address this through what you learned
from the Sagan readings. And, don’t forget to address those social changes too. 


follow the instruction carefully and write the essay.