Ross Gelbspan

Ross Gelbspan argues in the following viewpoint that human consumption of coal and oil and the subsequent rise of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere have brought about unprecedented and life-threatening global warming. He believes that the earth is already experiencing extreme weather events as a result of this warming, such as droughts, heat waves, and windstorms. According to Gelbspan, immediate action must be taken to curb further buildup of heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere through the promotion of alternative energy sources. Gelbspan is a journalist and the author of The Heat Is On: The Climate Crisis, the Cover-up, the Prescription.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What research finding prompted a number of scientists to revise upward their projections of future global warming, according to Gelbspan?
2. In the author’s opinion, what...