Quezada, Dominique

ePortfolio Assignment
Biology 1090

http://dominiquezada.weebly.com/
Cite the name of the news source, the article title, the date, and the
byline (the reporters name). Paste a link to the article here (in
Canvas).

New York Times

Flooding of Coast, Caused by Global Warming, Has Already Begun
Sept. 3, 2016
Justin Gillis
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/04/science/flooding-of-coast-causedby-global-warming-has-already-begun.html?rref=collection
%2Fsectioncollection
%2Fearth&action=click&contentCollection=earth&region=rank&modul
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front

What are the main conclusions of the scientist(s)?

Global warming caused by human emissions is being proven with
various evidence throughout the country. Although sea levels were predicted
to rise, it was unclear how soon it would affect communities. Scientists are
now confirming that a dramatic rise in sea level could happen sooner than
anticipated. Despite the various forms of evidence provided, some
individuals are not only still denying global warming, but also that humans
are causing it.
What are some possible impacts this information could have on
society or on individuals?
The rise in sea levels are already affecting residents and the flooding
will only become more of a problem. Neighborhood streets and homes will be
damaged because of floods, requiring families to move or disrupt their lives
temporarily or permanently. Funding for projects to renovate cities will be
required.
Are other scientists, or policy-makers, mentioned as being in
disagreement with the research scientists? If so, what might make
you tend to take their doubts seriously (or not take them seriously)?

Quezada, Dominique
ePortfolio Assignment
Biology 1090
Republicans in Congress are mentioned several times as individuals
who oppose the importance of climate change. They express doubt about
climate science and see it as a conspiracy. Its difficult to argue with
scientific evidence, especially evidence explaining global warming.
Are scientists mentioned in the article affiliated with a nonpartisan
group, like a University or Government, or affiliated with a for-profit
corporation? If the latter, do you suspect that altered their
conclusions?
Several scientists investigating climate change evidence are
mentioned in affiliation with a Florida International University, the University
of Florida, Old Dominion in Norfolk and Pennsylvania State University. Since
the individuals are from different Universities, I would not suggest that their
conclusions could be altered.
In what ways did the article change and expand your views of the
topic? If it did not change or expand your views, describe what you
knew about the subject before reading the article.
I was familiar with global warning and its effects on the environment
before reading the article but new ideas were definitely introduced to me. I
had no idea that global warming could be directly denied and refuse to
provide funding to support individuals who are trying to combat a global
issue. I also was not aware that sea level rise would be a present problem,
affecting individuals and families worldwide.
Do you think the reporter did a good job or a bad job of giving
background for the story? Please give an example to support your
opinion.
I think the reported did an excellent job reporting the story and
provided evidence and examples of his claims. Several cities are mentioned
and different scientists that are investigating solutions to drastic climate
change. This variety of people provides several background stories and ties
the issue to a larger picture.

Quezada, Dominique
ePortfolio Assignment
Biology 1090

Reflection prompt 1. Did your article, or things you saw in your

search for articles, change the way you think about science? Did
you see evidence of scientists actively engaged in public policy
debates, and were you surprised by their level of advocacy?
I was definitely familiar with global warming and the effects that follow, but
there were several new ideas that were introduced to me as well. It was
interesting to learn that individuals continue to deny that humans contribute
to the greenhouse gas effect and global warming as a whole. Tybee Island
was one of the first Georgia communities to adopt a detailed climate plan,
lead by mayor Jason Buelterman. I was surprised by his level of advocacy
because Mr. Buelterman identifies as a Republican. Im a Republican, but I
also realize, by any objective analysis, the sea level is rising, Significant
evidence has concluded that the worlds largest naval base in Norfolk, VA, is
threatened by rising sea levels. A Republican congressman from Colorado
wasnt interested in taking preventative measures because he believed
When we distract our military with a radical climate change agenda, we
detract from their main purpose of defending America from enemies
Reflection prompt 2. Discuss how your article made connections to
another discipline, like business, government, politics, economics,
or humanities. If it didnt make any connections to other
disciplines, discuss a connection it could have made.
Politics and government were definitely synonymous with global climate
change, on a small and large scale range. Local governments can recognize
and identify the changes in their communities, and either make a choice for
change or deny evidence. If the community governments were interested in
making infrastructure changes, the funding may have been difficult to attain
because of state politicians denying the need for change. It was also
interesting to read about how many people in the Florida and Georgia cities
were affected by the rising waters, and yet their government (at some
degree) wasnt interested in recognizing the needs of the community and
taking action. The city, state and national economy could also be affected if

Quezada, Dominique
ePortfolio Assignment
Biology 1090
community members and citizens were spending money on renovations, and
not on local businesses in the city or state.

Reflection prompt 3. Describe how the class as a whole has

impacted your views on science, the human body, and human
impacts on the planet.
The ideas introduced to me throughout the course have been interesting and
engaging. Although I have taken several science classes, this course has
definitely resonated the most ideas. It was interesting to be able to apply so
much of the material and identify with it on a broader perspective. I
connected a lot of ideas about myself and my life, to the same principles that
can be identified throughout the world. There is a large cause and effect for a
lot of science and it is interesting to reflect on what I am causing, and who or
what I am effecting. I definitely am more inclined to read recreationally about
science, the human body and human impacts on the planet.