NASA Global Climate Change Links To An External Site
Part 1nasa Global Climate Changelinks To An External Sitewhat
Part 1 “NASA: Global climate change†(Links to an external site.) “What should you say to a climate change skeptic?†(Links to an external site.) “Meet the evangelical Christian persuading believers that climate change is real†(Links to an external site.) Part 2 “Rash of suicides in India—Cotton farmers without hope†(Links to an external site.) (video, 6:10 minutes) “Australia: Suicides among farmers†(Links to an external site.) (video, 6:45 minutes) “Trading down: How unfair trade hurts farmers [in poor countries]†(Links to an external site.) “Agribusiness is devastating to family farmers, rural communities, and the environment†(Links to an external site.) Part 3 “Farming and biodiversity†(Links to an external site.) Part 4 The sugar that permeates the American diet has a barbaric history as the ‘white gold’ that fueled slavery†(Links to an external site.) GPCC, chapter 7, “Environment and consumption†What are the key indicators of global climate change, according to NASA?
And what evidence should be pointed out to climate skeptics? How do food exports from wealthy countries to poor countries hurt medium and small farmers in poor countries? What problems in general do corporate agriculture cause? What are the present-day causes of suicide among family farmers? What problems does “Farming and biodiversity†address?
What are its recommendations? How are these related to the “clean farming revolution†(Week 12)? Describe either “the case of sugar†or “the story of beef†(in GPCC). Post to Canvas (ASSIGNMENTS or DISCUSSIONS) by next Sunday, 11:59 pm. 250 word minimum; no maximum word count. Display the word count at the end of your post.
Paper For Above instruction
The ongoing global challenge of climate change is underscored by key indicators identified by NASA, including rising global temperatures, increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events, melting glaciers and ice caps, sea level rise, and shifts in biodiversity and ecosystems (NASA, 2023). To counter climate skepticism, science-based evidence should be emphasized; this includes the direct measurement of atmospheric CO2 concentrations, the correlation between greenhouse gases and rising temperatures, and historical climate data. Communicating these facts with clarity and patience is essential, especially when confronting skeptics influenced by misinformation or ideological biases (Cook et al., 2016).
Food exports from wealthy nations to poorer countries often have detrimental effects on small- and medium-scale farmers locally. Wealthier countries tend to export subsidized agricultural products, which flood local markets in developing nations, leading to depressed prices and economic hardship for small farmers (Perry & Muradian, 2020). This practice undermines local food sovereignty and perpetuates cycles of poverty, making farmers vulnerable and less resilient to climate impacts. Furthermore, corporate agriculture exacerbates these issues by promoting monoculture, extensive pesticide use, and environmental degradation, which threaten local biodiversity and soil health (Altieri, 2018).
Present-day causes of suicidal ideation among family farmers include economic pressures due to volatile market prices, land dispossession, climate-related crop failures, and crushing debt burdens (Nagarajan & Suri, 2021). These stressors are compounded by social isolation and limited access to mental health services. Addressing these complex issues requires integrated strategies such as financial support, mental health resources, and sustainable farming practices to improve resilience and community well-being (FAO, 2019).
“Farming and biodiversity” tackles the critical problem of diminishing ecological diversity caused by industrial agriculture's monoculture practices. Its recommendations include promoting diversified cropping systems, conservation of native species, and adopting agroecological methods that enhance ecosystem services. These measures support resilient agricultural landscapes capable of adapting to climate change while reducing dependency on chemical inputs (Pretty et al., 2018). These initiatives align closely with the “clean farming revolution,” which advocates for sustainable, environmentally friendly agricultural practices that prioritize health and ecological integrity (Week 12).
The case of sugar, historically linked to slavery and colonial exploitation, exemplifies how economic activities rooted in resource extraction have perpetuated social injustices. The sugar industry’s history reveals the barbaric exploitation from the transatlantic slave trade to modern supply chains, emphasizing the need for ethical considerations in consumption and production (Mintz, 2020). Similarly, the story of beef illustrates the environmental impacts of large-scale cattle farming, including deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and water use, which threaten biodiversity and climate stability (Steinfeld et al., 2006). Recognizing these histories underscores the importance of sustainable and ethical food choices that mitigate environmental degradation and social inequalities.
References
- Altieri, M. A. (2018). Agroecology: The science of sustainable agriculture and food systems. CRC Press.
- Cook, J., Oreskes, N., Doran, P. T., & Anderegg, W. R. (2016). Consensus on consensus: a synthesis of consensus estimates on human-caused global warming. Environmental Research Letters, 11(4), 043002.
- FAO. (2019). The State of Food and Agriculture 2019. FAO.
- Mintz, S. (2020). Sweetness and Power: The Place of Sugar in Modern History. Penguin Books.
- Nagarajan, R., & Suri, S. (2021). Mental health challenges of farmers in India: A review. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 63(3), 210–217.
- NASA. (2023). Global Climate Change: Vital Signs. NASA Climate Website.
- Perry, D., & Muradian, R. (2020). Trade, Food Systems and Resilience in Developing Countries. Food Policy, 94, 101876.
- Pretty, J., et al. (2018). The role of agroecology in climate change adaptation and mitigation. Nature Sustainability, 1(11), 695–702.
- Steinfeld, H., Gerber, P., Wassenaar, T., et al. (2006). Livestock’s Long Shadow: Environmental Issues and Options. FAO.