Field Notes Chapters 2-3

Using many different examples, Kolbert supports the theory of global warming. She starts off using a scientist dated back to the 1800s to begin her timeline of other scientists who made remarkable discoveries about carbon dioxide and rising temperatures to help prove the point -- something needs to be done. Each person used to help emphasize the world's climate change had significant credentials in heir background proving to be credible in this case. The timeline starts with curiosity of one scientist and the rest just pick up where the other left off.


The argument, however, was strongly supported in most cases. There were four strongest pieces of evidence adduced in support of the theory of global warming. The greenhouse gases were accounted for the fact that "the average global temperature, instead of zero, is actually a far more comfortable fifty-seven degrees." If equilibrium of the quantity of radiation both receiving and giving are unbalanced, the planet would either have to heat up or cool down to get to normal temperature again. Kolbert supported her case with places in ice-lands that are beginning to melt or shift. Greenland's temperatures increases, sea level rises, and the Swiss Camp floating on ice thoroughly support her claim.


Kolbert even throws in information that contradicts the global warming theory. Talking about the miscalculations of CO2 in the atmosphere by one of the scientist, she uses that to stand on both sides; yet, at the same time she answers and questions and speculations readers may have against Kolbert's global warming theory. With recent studies and a more effective, modernized way to measure atmospheric CO2, the Keeling Curve, she wins the argument once again. What I admire the most of her writing style and skill is the way she turned a study into something readable -- scientific jargon to English.