controversial issue- lqc 14c

Question 1

controversial issue

Answer 1

When alternative points of view about the issue can be reasonably held

Question 2

why does climate change remain controversial

Answer 2

1. Science cannot prove theories – scientific methods can only disprove them. A hypothesis is proposed and tested. If the results dispute the idea, the hypothesis is rejected. If the results support the idea it still does not prove it!
2. There is incomplete knowledge about how the climate system works. The data sets used in making predictions have their limitations

Question 3

what is the general consensus on climate change

Answer 3

Global temperatures are rising and the climate is changing.
Greenhouse gases are partly responsible for this.

Question 4

how has climate change consensus been reached

Answer 4

The gradual build-up of a large body of scientific evidence

Question 5

what do others believe

Answer 5

Climate change and increases in temperature are due to:
1. the natural cycle of climate variations.
2. changes in the sun’s activity.

Question 6

when people make conclusions what are they influenced by?

Answer 6

1. Their own particular values and viewpoint – the scientific methodology can be sidelined
2. Political and economic considerations – data could be interpreted with hidden agendas and this then becomes news rather than the science. Also, scientists could be influenced by those who provide their research funding.

Question 7

ethical arguements of climate change

Answer 7

1. We have a right to choose whether or not we use fossil fuels to achieve a good standard of living
2. We have a duty to allow others to improve their standard of living
3. We have a duty to preserve the environment for future generations

Question 8

global warming definition

Answer 8

gradual increase in average temperature of earths surface/atmosphere