Text Production Draft # 2

Global warming has been a hot issue in recent years because people in this planet start to feel the consequences of it, caused by the more erratic and serious climate change. As in the film of “Inconvenient Truth”, Al. Gore (2006) says: “The era of Procrastination, of half-measure, of soothing and baffling expedients, of delays, is coming to its close. In this place, we are entering a period of consequences.”However, it is better late than never. We, as civil-minded citizens of this planet, therefore, should realize the significance of knowing the perils of climate change and taking initiative to carry out efficient and prompt actions to combat this disastrous global threat.

“Warming of the climate system is unequivocal.” (Holli Riebeek 2007) Global warming is no longer a scenario to be worried by our future generation but it confronts us right now. One of the most evident effects is the rising of sea-levels. Water expands when it is warmed up and takes up more volume, contributing to higher sea-level. Melting of glaciers and ice sheets is also believed to increase the sea-levels, threatening low-lying nations or places, such as Florida, California and Bangladesh. Scientists also believe that the sea-level will rise about 4 inches to 3 feet by 2100. (Chris Woodford 2006)

In addition, the increase in global temperature and the melting of glaciers at the Poles have tremendous impacts on the finely balanced ecosystem on earth. Polar bears depend on the ice sheets to move and hunt. The global warming causes the amount of ice sheets to decrease, resulting in the polar bears to lose their home. In the tropics, the rising temperature of the sea water has destroyed many coral reefs, putting the colourful ecosystems in danger. More importantly, human beings are also well affected by the climate change. More erratic climate change brings more storms and hurricanes. Floods are likely to take place in some countries on occasions. Some predictions say climate change flooding could make about 100-200 million people permanently homeless by 2100. (Chris Woodford 2006)

To solve this, every quarter should work hand in hand. Anyone can contribute to reduce global warming by using energy efficiently and saving energy. Energy efficiency is considered as one of the best ways to curb climate change. To do this, one can replace the incandescent lamps in his home and use energy-saving fluorescent lamps. You can also choose to walk, ride a bicycle or take public transportation instead of driving your car. You can put on a sweater instead of turning on the heating and open the windows instead of using the air-conditioners. (Chris Woodford 2006)Even these seemingly little moves can help to reduce climate change greatly. Governments of the world should also reduce their carbon emission. Developing countries like China and India may argue that the reduction in their energy consumption will put them at an economic disadvantage to the other nations. However, Stern Report states that the global economic activity which is measured by Gross Domestic Product will drop up to 20% if inaction continues but this drop can be reduced to merely 1% if governments are willing to take actions now. (Chris Woodford 2006)

In conclusion, though the increase of around only a few degree centigrade in the global temperature is capable of producing significant changes in our environment and way of life and it may seem trivial for us (Holli Riebeek 2007), the fact that climate change is affecting our daily lives is undeniably true. Hence, every one of us should start to play a role in saving our Mother Earth. Knowing the consequences of climate change, we should work in a more comprehensive way and make wise use of the technology to solve the climate change. Al. Gore (2006) says everyone must have the perseverance and determination to carry out the actions to curb global warming. As the saying goes, “where there’s a will, there’s a way”.

Text Production Draft #1

What are the potential effects of global warming in terms of climate change and how they can be arrested?

Global warming has been a hot issue in recent years because people in this planet start to feel the consequences of it, caused by the more erratic and serious climate change. As in the film of “An Inconvenient Truth”, Al. Gore (2006) says: “The era of Procrastination, of half-measure, of soothing and baffling expedients, of delays, is coming to its close. In this place, we are entering a period of consequences.”However, it is better late than never. We, as civil-minded citizens of this planet, therefore, should realize the significance of knowing the perils of climate change and taking initiative to carry out efficient and prompt actions to combat this disastrous global threat.

“Warming of the climate system is unequivocal.” (Holli Riebeek 2007) Global warming is no longer a scenario to be worried by our future generation but it confronts us right now. One of the most evident effects is the rising of sea-levels. Water expands when it is warmed up and takes up more volume, contributing to higher sea-level. Melting of glaciers and ice sheets is also believed to increase the sea-levels, threatening low-lying nations or places, such as Florida, California and Bangladesh. Scientists also believe that the sea-level will rise about 4 inches to 3 feet by 2100. (Chris Woodford 2006)

In addition, the increase in global temperature and the melting of glaciers at the Poles have tremendous impacts on the finely balanced ecosystem on earth. Polar bears depend on the ice sheets to move and hunt. The global warming causes the amount of ice sheets to decrease, resulting in the polar bears to lose their home. In the tropics, the rising temperature of the sea water has destroyed many coral reefs, with disastrous effects on the complex and colourful ecosystems that depend on them. More importantly, human beings are also well affected by the climate change. More erratic climate change could mean more storms and hurricanes. Floods are likely to plague some countries on occasions. Some predictions say climate change flooding could make about 100-200 million people permanently homeless by 2100. (Chris Woodford 2006)

To solve this, every quarter should work hand in hand. Anyone can contribute to reduce global warming by using energy efficiently and saving energy. Energy efficiency is considered as one of the best way to curb climate change. To do this, one can replace the incandescent lamps in his home and use energy-saving fluorescent lamps. You can also choose to walk, ride a bicycle or take public transportation instead of driving your car. You can put on a sweater instead of turning on the heating and open the windows instead of using the air-conditioners. (Chris Woodford 2006)Even these seemingly little moves can help to reduce climate change greatly. Governments of the world should also reduce their carbon emission. Developing countries like China and India may argue that the reduction in their energy consumption will put them at an economic disadvantage to the other nations. However, Stern Report states that the global economic activity which is measured by Gross Domestic Product will drop up to 20% if inaction continues but this drop can be reduced to merely 1% if governments are willing to take actions now. (Chris Woodford 2006)

In conclusion, though the increase of around only a few degree centigrade in the global temperature is capable of producing significant changes in our environment and way of life and it may seem remote and unimportant for us (Holli Riebeek 2007), the fact that climate change is affecting our daily lives is undeniably true. Hence, every one of us should start to play a role in saving our Mother Earth. Knowing the consequences of climate change, we should work in a more comprehensive way and make wise use of the technology to solve the climate change. Al. Gore (2006) says: “The solutions are in our hand, you just have to have the determination to make that happen.” As the saying goes, “where there’s a will, there’s a way.”

Australia News

University students' demand for stress therapy explodes

• From:AdelaideNow
• March 04, 2010 2:43am

PRESSURE on students has risen so significantly that many seek psychological help to cope with "perfectionism syndrome".

Student demand for stress therapy at universities has exploded and many psychologists now have waiting lists.

An Adelaide education and social science expert says students are suffering under a "meritocracy" - a social system where success is based on being the best.

However, it's believed students should instead be told individual ability and effort is not the sole key to success.

University of South Australia education Professor Bruce Johnson said students were often told if they worked hard enough and put in as many hours as possible, they would "rise to the top".

"It's dangerous to constantly push kids to the point where they think they can control everything and their success depends fully on what they do," Professor Johnson said.

The university's health psychology unit is now putting on more stress management courses to avoid further waiting lists.Clinical psychologists say demand for stress therapy at the University of Technology Sydney has doubled - possibly due to the global economic crisis and new pressures on young people such as cyber bullying.

Clinical psychologist Megan Varlow from UTS said the university was now running stress programs every term.

Professor Johnson recommended students look at success and shortfalls in context of the circumstances and work on aspects of life they could control.

"Most young people cope remarkably well. But sometimes the system can wear some down," he said.

A Sydney high school has called in self-esteem expert Dannielle Miller from Enlighten Education to work with its female students under a program called "Chill Out".

"We are building resilience so students can bounce back from setbacks," she said

Critique:

It's true that students nowadays personally hope to get high achievements in every aspects of their lives despite the push from their parents or universities. It is not uncommon to see students collapse in both mental and physical condition in pursuing their own goals. In the end, they might just give up their own dreams. Unfortunately, some may even choose to end their lives. A perfectionist may not be perfect. There are many things to be appreciated other than just to achieve successes in lives. Please remember your family members are always caring and loving you. They will acknowledge you no matter who you are, poor or rich or successful or not successful. This is the power of LOVE.