Final Draft: [The Effects of Television Viewing]

Television has become an arguably the greatest invention of the past century that has fascinated its audience, both children and adolescents (Sharif 1999). According to the American Time Use Survey carried out in 2003, men and women spent most of their time, roughly 2.5 hours per day in watching television. Since television viewing has saturated our lives, hundreds of arguments can be made on the topic that television is playing good or bad role in the society. While television can entertain oneself, it may also influence them in undesirable ways if viewed for long periods. Therefore, the negative effect of television viewing has been an issue for many years. I strongly believe that television viewing has inauspicious consequences of being able to negatively affect people.

First and foremost, the most obvious is the effects that television has on the psyche and behaviour, especially in children. Children are still at a stage where the shaping of behaviour takes place. Consequently, they tend to form an idea of life and behaviour as pictured by the shows they watch (Sharif 1999). Sharif (1999) indicates evidence from a research that has shown that children become desensitized to violence after constant watching of violent programs. When they come to solving problems, they would think that violence is an everyday tool for solutions. Besides, short programs with loud and colourful presentation develop short attention spans in children. As a result, children tend to take the easy way out whenever they encounter any problems. They may face frustration when complicated situations occur in their life and giving up easily (Sharif 1999).

Next, the causal effect of television on health is also highlighted. Children may be more physically inactive if they are overindulged in television viewing as they would not have the time for outdoor activities (Sharif 1999). Television lures its audiences to the extent that they exclude other activities and this can be destructive. Watching television is an inactive activity as its audiences just sit in front of it for hours. Worse comes to worst, when television viewing is accompanied with junk food, it may cause obesity and related diseases. It is also unhealthy to overindulged in television as one may even suffer withdrawal symptoms when something happens that forbid the viewing (Rutherford 2002). Children may also imitate dangerous stunts from television programs which can be harmful if care is not taken (Sharif 1999).

There can no longer be any doubt that heavy exposure to television viewing may cause difficulty in focusing things, for instance homework (Leigh 2001). UK Time Use Survey (2000) shows that time spent most on selected free time activities are TV, video and radio. Although it takes a little effort to switch off the television, many prefer to flick between channels, browsing for something worth watching. Time set aside for homework may be wasted as a consequence (Rutherford 2002). This may adversely affect children’s academic performance. According to Dr. Jones, children who watched too much television programs are among the weakest students at school. It is difficult for children to develop their imaginative skills that may come in handy in solving problem and organizing (Leigh 2001).

In a nutshell, television viewing affects the development of thinking processes, affects health and causes difficulty in focusing. Television shows can be entertaining but when one gets addicted, these negative impacts will prevail and may even be disastrous. Hence, I strongly believe that there are negative effects on television viewing. We should control our time spent on television viewing and watch in moderation to avoid lifelong harmful effects (Rutherford 2002).

Draft 2: [The Effects of Television Viewing]

Television has become an arguably the greatest invention of the past century that has fascinated its audience, both children and adolescents (Sharif 1999). According to statistics carried out in 2003, men and women spent most of their time, roughly 2.5 hours per day in watching television (ATUS 2003). Since television viewing has saturated our lives, hundreds of arguments can be made on the topic that television is playing good or bad role in the society. While television can entertain oneself, it may also influence them in undesirable ways if viewed for long periods. Therefore, the negative effect of television viewing has been an issue for many years. I strongly believe that television viewing has horrible consequences of being able to negatively affect people.

First and foremost, the most obvious is the effects that television has on the psyche and behaviour, especially in children. Children are still at a stage where the shaping of behaviour takes place. Consequently, they tend to form an idea of life and behaviour as pictured by the shows they watch (Sharif 1999). Sharif (1999) indicates evidence from a research that has shown that children become desensitized to violence after constant watching of violent programs. When they come to solving problems, they would think that violence is an everyday tool for solutions. Besides, short programs with loud and colourful presentation develop short attention spans in children. As a result, children tend to take the easy way out whenever they encounter any problems. They may face frustration when complicated situations occur in their life and giving up easily (Sharif 1999).

Next, the causal effect of television on health is also highlighted. Children may be more physically inactive if they are overindulged in television viewing as they would not have the time for outdoor activities (Sharif 1999). Television lures its audiences to the extent that they exclude other activities and this can be destructive. Watching television is an inactive activity as its audiences just sit in front of it for hours. Worse comes to worst, when television viewing is accompanied with junk food, it may cause obesity and related diseases. It is also unhealthy to overindulged in television as one may even suffer withdrawal symptoms when something happens that forbid the viewing (Rutherford 2002). Children may also imitate dangerous stunts from television programs which can be harmful if care is not taken (Sharif 1999).

There can no longer be any doubt that heavy exposure to television viewing may cause difficulty in focusing things, for instance homework (Leigh 2001). UK Time Use Survey (2000) shows that time spent most on selected free time activities are TV, video and radio. Although it takes a little effort to switch off the television, many prefer to flick between channels, browsing for something worth watching. Time set aside for homework may be wasted as a consequence (Rutherford 2002). This may adversely affect children’s academic performance. According to Dr. Jones, children who watched too much television programs are among the weakest students at school. It is difficult for children to develop their imaginative skills that may come in handy in solving problem and organizing (Leigh 2001).

In a nutshell, television viewing affects the development of thinking processes, affects health and causes difficulty in focusing. Television shows can be entertaining but when one gets addicted, these negative impacts will prevail and may even be disastrous. Hence, I strongly believe that there are negative effects on television viewing. We should control our time spent on television viewing and watch in moderation to avoid lifelong harmful effects (Rutherford 2002).

Draft 1: [The Effects of Television Viewing]

Television has become an arguably the greatest invention of the past century that has fascinated its audience, both children and adolescents (Sharif 1999). According to statistics carried out in 2003, men and women spent most of their time, roughly 2.5 hours per day in watching television (ATUS 2003). Since television viewing has saturated our lives, hundreds of arguments can be made on the topic that television is playing good or bad role in the society. While television can entertain oneself, it may also influence them in undesirable ways if viewed for long periods. Therefore, the negative effect of television viewing has been an issue for many years. I strongly believe that television viewing has horrible consequences of being able to negatively affect people.

First and foremost, the most obvious is the effects that television has on the psyche and behaviour, especially in children. Children are still at a stage where the shaping of behaviour takes place. Consequently, they tend to form an idea of life and behaviour as pictured by the shows they watch (Sharif 1999). Sharif (1999) indicates evidence from a research that showed children become desensitized to violence after constant watching of violent programs. When they come to solving problems, they would think that violence is an everyday tool for solutions. Besides, short programs with loud and colourful presentation develop short attention spans in children. As a result, children tend to take the easy way out whenever they encounter any problems. They may face frustration when complicated situations occur in their life and giving up easily (Sharif 1999).

Next, the causal effect of television on health is also highlighted. Children may be more physically inactive if they are overindulged in television viewing as they would not have the time for outdoor activities (Sharif 1999). Television lures its audiences to the extent that they exclude other activities and this can be destructive. Watching television is an inactive activity as its audiences just sit in front of it for hours. Worse comes to worst, when television viewing is accompanied with junk food, it may cause obesity and related diseases. It is also unhealthy to overindulged in television as one may even suffer withdrawal symptoms when something happens that forbid the viewing (Rutherford 2002). Children may also imitate dangerous stunts from television programs which can be fatal (Sharif 1999).

There can no longer be any doubt that heavy exposure to television viewing may cause difficulty in focusing things, for instance homework (Leigh 2001). UK Time Use Survey (2000) shows that time spent most on selected free time activities are TV, video and radio. Although it takes a little effort to switch off the television, many prefer to flick between channels, browsing for something interesting. Time set aside for homework may be wasted as a consequence (Rutherford 2002). This may adversely affect children’s academic performance. According to Dr. Jones, children who watched too much television programs are among the weakest students at school. It is difficult for children to develop their imaginative skills that may come in handy in solving problem and organizing (Leigh 2001).

In a nutshell, I strongly believe that there are negative effects on television viewing. The negative effects are affects the development of thinking processes, affects health and causes difficulty in focusing. Television shows can be entertaining but when one gets addicted, these negative impacts will prevail. Hence, we should control our time spent on television viewing and watch in moderation to avoid lifelong harmful effects (Rutherford 2002).

Final Version of Argumentative Essay

Junk food has always been the favorite food for youngsters especially schoolchildren as there are a variety of supplies from the school canteens. Junk food can be defined as foods with insufficient nutrients and it is not good for our health (Tran 2005). Junk foods also contain synthetic additives to level up their attractiveness and to expand its expiry date (Smith 2005). Research shows that chips, biscuits, cookies, hamburgers, soft drinks, instant noodles and confectionery are unhealthy (Health Foundation 2005). The issue of banning school canteens from selling junk food has raised a heated debate among the society. The fright of health issues, behavioural problems and litter problems which are caused by the consumption of junk food have my word on believing that the sale of junk food should be banned.

Fingers are pointing at junk food for causing childhood obesity due to the distinctively low nutritional value and contains inedible synthetic additives (Smith 2005). Over the past 30 years, the healthy food eaten by Australian youngsters has plummeted which can be due to the increasing supplies of junk food (Tran 2005). According to Tran (2005), more than 50 per cent of schoolchildren nowadays purchase their lunch from school canteens which mostly comprise of junk food. This gives us an idea of the most common scenario is a child who is munching on junk food and quenching a can of soft drinks during recess. Tran (2005) also provided evidence from Professor Steven Reynolds who indicates that school canteens providing unhealthy foods are promoting youth obesity. This is further worsened when most youngsters do not exercise regularly.

Other than that, poor eating habits of children can induce unhealthy growth and reduce their learning potential as junk foods often consist of chemical enhancers which can lead to behavioural problems (The Food Show 2005). According to Smith (2005), behavioural problems in children like hyperactivity and poor concentration are results shown from the additives. Since junk food is convenient and is easily available from schools, children are unaware of the havoc they are creating for themselves (Tran 2005). Consequently, the removal of junk foods from school canteen shows noticeable improvement in student’s behaviour (Green 2005).

From a wider perspective, the sale of junk food in schools can also create litter problems as most junk foods come in pre-packaged meals and canned drinks (Smith 2005). This problem is faced by the schools as plastic packages and cans can be seen lying around the school compound (Green 2005). As a result from littering, schools may be facing health risk, spend more than usual to clean the compounds and may even give a bad impression (Smith 2005). When junk foods are removed, the litter around the school has diminished. The cleaning cost saved can be spent on other beneficial maintenance projects (Green 2005).

In conclusion, I stand for the banning of the sales of junk food in school canteens as excessive consumption of junk foods may lead to obesity which has a direct impact on future risks for heart disease, osteoarthritis and cancers, and also behavioural problems. Schools may also encounter opportunity cost due to litter problems. Children must know that what they eat affects their future growth, thus a school cannot neglect their responsibility and drop the buck at food, instead schools need to take up its’ role to assail the problems. The school canteen should be utilized to educate healthy eating habits (Tran 2005).

Argumentative Essay Draft 2

Junk food has always been the favorite food for youngsters especially schoolchildren as there are a variety of supplies from the school canteens. Junk food can be defined as foods with insufficient nutrients and it is not good for our health (Tran 2005). Junk foods also contain synthetic additives to level up their attractiveness and to expand its expiry date (Smith 2005). Some examples of junk food are chips, biscuits, cookies, hamburgers, soft drinks, instant noodles and confectionery (Health Foundation 2005). The issue of banning school canteens from selling junk food has raised a heated debate among the society. The frights of health issues, behavioural problems and litter problems which are caused by the consumption of junk food have my word on believing that the sale of junk food should be banned.

Fingers are pointing at junk food for causing childhood obesity due to the distinctively low nutritional value and contains inedible synthetic additives (Smith 2005). Over the past 30 years, the healthy food eaten by Australian youngsters has plummeted which can be due to the increasing supplies of junk food (Tran 2005). According to Tran (2005), more than 50 per cent of schoolchildren nowadays purchase their lunch from school canteens which mostly comprise of junk food. This gives us an idea of the most common scenario is a child who is munching on junk food and quenching a can of soft drinks during recess. Tran (2005) also provided evidence from Professor Steven Reynolds who indicates that school canteens providing unhealthy foods are promoting youth obesity. This is further worsened when most youngsters do not exercise regularly.

Other than that, poor eating habits of children can induce unhealthy growth and reduce their learning potential as junk foods often consist of chemical enhancers which can lead to behavioural problems (The Food Show 2005). According to Smith (2005), behavioural problems in children like hyperactivity and poor concentration are results shown from the additives. Since junk food is convenient and is easily available from schools, children are unaware of the havoc they are creating for themselves (Tran 2005). Consequently, the removal of junk foods from school canteen shows noticeable improvement in student’s behaviour (Green 2005).

From a wider perspective, the sale of junk food in schools can also creates litter problems as most junk foods come in pre-packaged meals and canned drinks (Smith 2005). This problem is faced by the schools as plastic packages and cans can be seen lying around the school compound (Green 2005). As a result from littering, schools may be facing health risk, spend more than usual to clean the compounds and may even give a bad impression (Smith 2005). When junk foods are removed, the litter around the school has diminished. The cleaning cost saved can be spent on other beneficial maintenance projects (Green 2005).

In conclusion, I stand for the banning of junk foods sales in school canteens as excessive consumption of junk foods may lead to obesity which has a direct impact on future risks for heart disease, osteoarthritis and cancers, and also behavioural problems. Schools may also encounter opportunity cost due to litter problems. Children must know that what they eat affects their future growth, thus a school cannot neglect their responsibility and drop the buck at food, instead schools need to take up its’ role to assail the problems. The school canteen should be utilized to educate healthy eating habits (Tran 2005).

[Argumentative Essay] [Draft 1]

Junk food has always been the favorite food for youngsters especially schoolchildren as there are a variety of supplies from the school canteens. Junk food can be defined as foods with insufficient nutrients and it is not good for our health (Tran 2005). Junk foods also contain synthetic additives to level up their attractiveness and to expand its expiry date (Smith 2005). Some examples of junk food are chips, biscuits, cookies, hamburgers, soft drinks, instant noodles and confectionery (Health Foundation 2005). The issue of banning school canteens from selling junk food has raised a heated debate among the society. The frights of health issues, behavioural problems and litter problems which are caused by the consumption of junk food have my word on believing that the sale of junk food should be banned.

Fingers are pointing at junk food for causing childhood obesity due to the distinctively low nutritional value and contains inedible synthetic additives (Smith 2005). Over the past 30 years, the healthy food eaten by Australian youngsters has been plummeted which can be due to the increasing supplies of junk food (Tran 2005). According to Tran (2005), more than 50 per cent of schoolchildren nowadays purchase their lunch from school canteens which mostly comprise of junk food. This gives us an idea of the most common scenario is a child who is munching on junk food and quenching a can of soft drinks during recess. Tran (2005) also provided evidence from Professor Steven Reynolds who indicates that school canteens providing unhealthy foods are promoting youth obesity. This is further worsening when most youngsters do not exercise regularly.

Other than that, poor eating habits of children can induce unhealthy growth and reduce their learning potential as junk foods often consist of chemical enhancers which can induce behavioural problems (The Food Show 2005). According to Smith (2005), behavioural problems in children like hyperactivity and poor concentration are results shown from the additives. Since junk food is convenient and is easily available from schools, children are unaware of the havoc they are creating for themselves (Tran 2005). Consequently, the removal of junk foods from school canteen shows noticeable improvement in student’s behaviour (Green 2005).

From a wider perspective, sale of junk food in schools can also creates litter problems as most junk foods come in pre-packaged meals and canned drinks (Smith 2005). This problem is faced by the schools as plastic packages and cans can be seen lying around the school compound (Green 2005). As a result from littering, schools may be facing health risk, spend more than usual to clean the compounds and may even give a bad impression (Smith 2005). When junk foods are removed, the litter around the school has diminished. The cleaning cost saved can be spent on other beneficial maintenance projects (Green 2005).

In conclusion, I stand for the banning of junk foods sales in school canteens as junk foods may pose threats to schoolchildren due to obesity which has a direct impact on their future risks for heart disease, osteoarthritis and cancers, and also behavioural problems. Schools may also encounter opportunity cost due to litter problems. Children must know that what they eat affects their future growth, thus a school cannot neglect their responsibility and drop the buck at food, instead schools need to take up its’ role to assail the problems. The school canteen should be utilized to educate healthy eating habits (Tran 2005).

Aussie News : JUNK FOOD! :p

Junk food bans at schools

• Milanda Rout, education reporter
• From:Herald Sun
• October 16, 2006 12:00AM

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VICTORIAN school children will be allowed to eat fatty junk food only twice a term under strict new canteen rules to be imposed next year.

For the first time, school tuckshops will be told what they can and cannot sell to the state's 540,000 school students.

Chips, potato cakes, dim sims, battered sausages, cakes and ice cream are on the hit list.

The Bracks Government is expected to reveal the latest crackdown today to try to halt the obesity crisis.

It is believed the new rules will apply to Victoria's 1600 state primary and secondary schools.

Independent and Catholic schools will be encouraged to adopt the new rules.

Food will be divided into three groups – everyday, select and occasional – dictating how often it can be sold.

Food listed as "occasional" is defined as having high fat, sugar or salt content and will be restricted to twice a term, or eight times a year.

This will include party pies, sausage rolls and low-fat ice cream.Goodies listed under "select" will have some nutritional value and will be sold irregularly – potentially once a week.

Schools will be told to try to sell as much "everyday" food as possible – which includes items with high nutritional value.

Fresh fruit and vegetables, wholegrain bread and cereals and salads are in this category.

Pikelets, crumpets, baked potatoes and frozen yoghurt will also be available daily.

The new rules will apply to school canteens and lunch orders provided by outside caterers and shops.

The Government is believed to have taken a different approach to chocolates and lollies in schools.

It is believed schools will be given information on how to introduce the new rules, which will begin next year.

This includes advice on how to make healthier versions of popular food, for example, replacing commercially made pizza with home-made healthier versions.

Activities for the classroom, promotional posters, a website and other material will also be available.

The Bracks Government introduced canteen guidelines in 2003 and this is believed to be the next step in the fight against obesity.

It is believed the Government wants to send a healthy-eating message to students, who get about a third of their food at school.

Many schools have already adopted healthy eating in their canteens, with restrictions on junk food.

The tough new rules come after a ban on sugar-loaded drinks at schools and an investigation into restrictions on chocolates and lollies.

Drinks with more than 300 kilojoules a serve will not be sold at canteens or in vending machines.

This means sport drinks and mineral water could face the axe.

A spokesman for Education Minister Lynne Kosky would not confirm details of the new rules.

"While many schools already offer healthy food to their children, the Government feels there is more to do," he said.

About 30 per cent of Australian children are overweight or obese.

[Text] [Production] [Essay] [FINAL] [VERSION]

Earth is getting warmer over the last century as there is a sustained increase in the average temperature of the earth’s atmosphere, where this phenomenon is known as global warming (Woodford 2006). Carbon dioxide from human activities is posing a serious threat to the planet as it is causing dangerous global warming (Nzone Tonight 2008). This situation would be catastrophic towards our mother nature. Hence, it is vital to gain knowledge of what are the potential effects of global warming in terms of climate change and ways to curtail the worsening of global warming.

According to Woodford (2006), hotter temperatures will change the climate across the whole planet and it does not mean that the temperature will increase in every place as temperamental weather will induce more hurricanes and storms, heavier downpour, more snow in certain regions, longer periods of drought, and more paramount heat waves. Unexpected chaotic hurricanes even happened in Brazil even though it is surrounded by hurricane-free South Atlantic and the major Hurricane Katrina during 2005 which destroys whole of New Orleans into debris and took away innocent lives (An Inconvenient Truth 2007). Woodford (2006) also reports that series of more persistent El-Niño has increased three times more often than a century ago, floods are belike to hassle some countries and it is estimated that 100-200 million people would be homeless for good by year 2100.

Moreover, another unavoidable impact of global warming is sea-level rise due to melting of ice (Riebeek 2007). North Pole and South Pole are warming drastically and sea ice in the Arctic has reduced significantly according to the proof provided by Woodford (2006). When the trapped sun ray absorbed by the oceans, it starts to increase the rate of melting of ice (An Inconvenient Truth 2007). From the photo provided by NASA, since the 1940s, the Larsen-B Ice Shelf on the Antarctic Peninsula can be seen caved in due to global warming (Riebeek 2007). Woodford (2006) indicates that some glaciers are melting apace, run out water into the oceans and causing fears about humongous rises in sea-level. This would jeopardize low-lying countries facing the chance of submerging underwater. In the film 'An Inconvenient truth' (2007), Al Gore also shows that the polar bears in the arctic may not be able to survive in this kind of condition.

Scientists are very certain that the warming of the planet is caused by increased concentrations of greenhouse gases (Riebeek 2007) and emission of carbon dioxide due to human activities is causing dangerous global warming (Nzone Tonight 2008). Therefore, reducing the emission of carbon dioxide is the sole solution to address this issue. We can start off by reducing personal carbon dioxide emissions for instance, using efficient fluorescent lamp, establish renewable energy in company and reduce usage of air-conditioners (Woodford 2006). Besides driving with better fuel economy, Woodford suggested people should walk, cycle or take a bus rather than driving cars. Al Gore also suggested that by making our earth greener like planting more trees and recycling would be able to minimize global warming in the film, 'An Inconvenient Truth' (2007).

On the whole, temperamental weather, sea-level rise and animal extinction are in the lists of the impact of global warming. The rate of increase in earth’s temperature in the last five decades has doubled the rate discovered over the last ten decades and it is believed that the temperatures are sure to step-up farther (Riebeek 2007). Consequently, we should avoid activities that emit carbon dioxide. 'The solutions are in our hands, we just have to have the determination to make it happen.’ (An Inconvenient Truth 2007). If people still do not put their foot down and look into this serious matter, the whole planet would be in chaos in the future.

[Text] [Production] [Essay] [Draft] [2]

Earth is getting warmer over the last century as there is a sustained increase in the average temperature of the earth’s atmosphere, where this phenomenon is known as global warming (Chris Woodford 2006). Carbon dioxide from human activities is posing a serious threat to the planet as it is causing dangerous global warming (Nzone Tonight 2008, television recording, Shine TV.). This situation would be catastrophic towards our mother nature. Hence, it is vital to gain knowledge of what are the potential effects of global warming in terms of climate change and ways to curtail the worsening of global warming.

According to Woodford (2006), hotter temperatures will change the climate across the whole planet and it does not mean that the temperature will increase in every place as temperamental weather will induce more hurricanes and storms, heavier downpour, more snow in certain regions, longer periods of drought, and more paramount heat waves. Unexpected chaotic hurricanes even happened in Brazil even though it is surrounded by hurricane-free South Atlantic and the major Hurricane Katrina during 2005 which destroys whole of New Orleans into debris and took away innocent lives (An Inconvenient Truth 2007, DVD, Paramount Pictures.). Woodford (2006) also reports that series of more persistent El-Niño has increased three times more often than a century ago, floods are belike to hassle some countries and it is estimated that 100-200 million people would be homeless for good by year 2100.

Moreover, another unavoidable impact of global warming is sea-level rise due to melting of ice (Riebeek 2007). North Pole and South Pole are warming drastically and sea ice in the Arctic has reduced significantly according to the proof provided by Woodford (2006). When the trapped sun ray absorbed by the oceans, it starts to increase the rate of melting of ice (An Inconvenient Truth 2007, DVD, Paramount Pictures.). From the photo provided by NASA, since the 1940s, the Larsen-B Ice Shelf on the Antarctic Peninsula can be seen caved in due to global warming (Riebeek 2007). Woodford (2006) indicates that some glaciers are melting apace, run out water into the oceans and causing fears about humongous rises in sea-level. This would jeopardize low-lying countries facing the chance of submerging underwater. Al Gore also shows that the polar bears in the arctic may not be able to survive in this kind of condition.

Scientists are very certain that the warming of the planet is caused by increased concentrations of greenhouse gases (Riebeek 2007) and emission of carbon dioxide due to human activities is causing dangerous global warming (Nzone Tonight 2008, television recording, Shine TV.). Therefore, reducing the emission of carbon dioxide is the sole solution to address this issue. We can start off by reducing personal carbon dioxide emissions for instance, using efficient fluorescent lamp, establish renewable energy in company and reduce usage of air-conditioners (Woodford 2006). Besides driving with better fuel economy, Woodford suggested people should walk, cycle or take a bus rather than driving cars. Al Gore also suggested that by making our earth greener like planting more trees and recycling would be able to minimize global warming (An Inconvenient Truth 2007, DVD, Paramount Pictures.).

On the whole, temperamental weather, sea-level rise and animal extinction are in the lists of the impact of global warming. The rate of increase in earth’s temperature in the last five decades has doubled the rate discovered over the last ten decades and it is believed that the temperatures are sure to step-up farther (Riebeek 2007). Consequently, we should avoid activities that emit carbon dioxide. As said by Al Gore (2007), ‘the solutions are in our hands, we just have to have the determination to make it happen.’ If people still do not put their foot down and look into this serious matter, the whole planet would be in chaos in the future.

[TEXT PRODUCTION] 1ST DRAFT

When our species Homo sapiens made his appearance on earth until the beginning of the industrial age, there are neither major climatic changes nor global warming occurring. However, over the past few centuries, this equilibrium was upset. There is a sustained increase in the average temperature of the earth’s atmosphere, where this phenomenon is known as global warming (Chris Woodford, 2006). The rate of increase in earth’s temperature in the last five decades has doubled the rate discovered over the last ten decades and it is believed that the temperatures are sure to step-up farther. (Holli Riebeek, 2007). Holli Riebeek also stated that scientists sieved through thousands of analyses regarding global warming issued in forums in the range of scientific journals to industry publications and drew out a conclusion of the world’s amassed knowledge as “Warming of the climate is unequivocal.” This situation would be catastrophic towards our mother nature and it is a major issue over many countries. Hence, it is vital to gain knowledge of what global warming and climate changes are, factors of global warming, and the impact of global warming have on Mother Nature and humanity.

From the introduction above, it is clear that global warming is due to the change in climate, but what is climate? It can be explained as:

'Climate is the pattern of weather in a particular place: how much sunlight and rainfall it gets, how windy it is, and so on. The world's weather is entirely powered by the Sun. Since Earth rotates on a tilted axis, different parts of our planet are heated by different amounts at different times of year, making some regions hotter than others and causing the seasons.' (Chris Woodford, 2006)

According to Chris Woodford, when we came forth the Ice Age, over five thousand years, the planet has warmed by five degrees centigrade. However, hotter temperatures will change the climate across the whole planet and it does not mean that the temperature will increase in every place as temperamental weather such as more hurricanes and storms, heavier downpour, more snow in certain regions, longer periods of drought, and more paramount heat waves (Chris Woodford, 2007). In other words, the earth may be hotter or cooler in some places.

Global warming is induced by greenhouse effect where greenhouse gasses such as carbon dioxide and methane covers the planet and it is important as it traps heat inside so that the planet will not be too cold (Chris Woodford, 2007). However, human activities over the past centuries have disrupted the natural greenhouse effect by worsening it. Chris Woodford indicates that burning of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide which thickens the greenhouse gas and as a result, the Sun’s rays get trapped inside the atmosphere, thus temperature increases globally. Vehicles and industrial sites have eructed billions of tons of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere caused temperatures to ascent between 0.6°C and 0.9°C (1.08°F to 1.62°F) over the past century (Holli Riebeek, 2007). Chris Woodford presents evidence which shows that global warming would be getting worse:

'Currently, 80 percent of our energy comes from fossil fuels. According to the International Energy Institute, this could increase to 90 percent by 2020. '

The impacts of global warming are so wide that it changes the geographical landscape and affect the living things on earth. From the NASA image, the Larsen-B Ice Shelf on the Antarctic Peninsula can be seen collapsed due to global warming since the 1940s. Chris Woodford states that most serious impact of global warming is rise in sea level when oceans expand when they are warmed, melting of glaciers and also melting of sea ice in the North and South Poles. When the trapped sun ray absorbed by the oceans, it starts to increase the rate of melting of ice. (Al Gore, 2007). This would jeopardize low-lying countries facing the chance of submerging underwater. Al Gore also indicates that the polar bears in the arctic may not be able to survive in this kind of condition. Chris Woodford reports that series of more persistent El-Niño has increased three times more often than a century ago, floods are belike to hassle some countries and it is estimated that 100-200 million people would be homeless for good by year 2100. Forecast also states that pests and diseases will spread wider due to global warming as warm climates are more favourable for insect such as mosquitoes which pose risks to humanity by year 2100 (Chris Woodford). In addition, the outbreak of vectors for emerging infectious diseases such as SARS and tuberculosis is due to global warming (Al Gore 2007).

On the whole, although global warming is happening at a slow rate but the impact can be catastrophic towards our planet. The points stated by the sources clearly show that global warming happening in analogous to a poison without antidote. However, as said by Al Gore, ‘the solutions are in our hands, we just have to have the determination to make it happen.’ If people still do not put their foot down and look into this serious matter, the whole planet would be in chaos in the future.

Aussie News on RAPIST CASE!

Appeal possible in bikeway rapist case
By Christine Flatley and David Barbeler
From: AAP
February 23, 2010 3:18PM

QUEENSLAND'S chief legal officer is considering an appeal after a court slashed nine years off the sentence of Brisbane's bikeway rapist.
Luke James Colless, 34, was handed a 25-year jail term in the Brisbane District Court in August for a string of attacks along Brisbane bikeways.
Between April 2006 and July 2008, Colless attacked 11 women, "violently raping" five with his fingers, sentencing Judge Marshall Irwin said.
Today, the father of four had his sentence cut to 16 years after the Court of Appeal accepted claims the original term was excessive.
Colless pleaded guilty to five counts of rape, five counts of assault with intent to commit rape, six counts of sexual assault and two counts of assault occasioning bodily harm.
Premier Anna Bligh said today that Attorney-General Cameron Dick was seeking advice from the solicitor-general on what course of action may be open to him to launch a further appeal to a higher court, and whether there was any chance of success.
Start of sidebar. Skip to end of sidebar.
Related Coverage
Rapist sentence: State unhappy Courier Mail, 2 hours ago
'Bikeway rapist' appeals Courier Mail, 7 days ago
Eight victims to sue rapist The Australian, 31 Jan 2010
Bike path rapist to appeal sentence NEWS.com.au, 11 Sep 2009
Compo for bikepath rape victims Daily Telegraph, 29 Aug 2009
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"For those who remember these attacks, they not only had a devastating attack on their victims they also had a very terrifying effect particularly on women who use bicycle paths or running attacks around the city," Ms Bligh said.
"This was a very menacing series of attacks in and around Brisbane and the state opposes this individual's appeal in the strongest possible terms."
Last week, Colless appealed against his sentence, with his lawyer Carl Heaton arguing in the Court of Appeal that 25 years was "excessive".
Mr Heaton argued that Judge Irwin had not balanced the "objective circumstances of the offending" with the "significant and compelling mitigating factors in (Colless') favour".
He said Colless' offending was less serious than other comparable cases relied on by the Crown and that too much weight was placed on the degree of violence Colless used to subdue some of his victims.
Mr Heaton argued that in his client's favour was his extremely early plea of guilty, his remorse and his own admissions to police.
The lawyer said these factors should have led the judge to arrive at a sentence of around 15 to 16 years.
The Court of Appeal upheld Mr Heaton's arguments and substituted a 16-year sentence in place of the 25 years handed down last year.
This means that instead of being eligible for parole after serving 15 years, Colless will be able to apply for release after serving a little less than 13 years in custody.
He will be required to undertake a sexual offender course before being granted his freedom.
In making the decision to cut his sentence, the three judges of the Court of Appeal noted the "substantial mitigating circumstances of the case", ruling Judge Irwin failed to make "adequate allowance" for them.


Summary:
Luke James Colless was sentenced to jail for 25 years for a continuous attacks along Brisbane bikeways. He sexually abused 11 women with his fingers. The victims would have a very terrifying effect. However, he pleaded guilty to several cases to cut down his jail sentence by appealing against his sentence with his lawyer, Carl Heaton. Heaton argued that 25 years was excessive instead a sentence of around 15 to 16 years should be more proper. He will also be required to undertake a sexual offender course before being granted his freedom.

Critique:
The article discussed about bikeway raping case where the culprit is sentenced to jail for what he had done. It is important that a person learn his lesson after commiting crimes so that no women are further sexually abused. We should always plea for guilty if we really did mistakes in life. It is never too late in anything as long as a willing heart to change is there.