A GUIDE TO WRITING A GLOBAL WARMING ESSAY

Table of contents

• Intro to Global Warming and its Consequences
• Global Warming Essay Topics
• Finding the Right Resources
• Writing an Essay on Global Warming

Intro to Global Warming and its Consequences

Global warming is defined as a long-term phenomenon of rises in air and water temperatures. And scientists have been both tracking these temperature increases and the causes since the mid-20th century. Their conclusions? The earth is warming at an increasingly more rapid rate and that this increase is primarily due to human behavior. 

As to the consequences of global warming, scientists say we are already seeing them – melting of the polar ice caps at an alarming rate, a rise of ocean levels, ocean warming, more extreme weather conditions, endangerment and extinction of entire species, and more. 

So, is global warming real? There are those who claim that it is not, but, rather, just a natural cycle in the earth’s continually evolving history. However, about 97% of the world’s scientists state that it is, and most of the deniers are certainly not scientists. 

Is global warming real? About 97% of the world’s scientists state that it is, and most of the deniers are certainly not scientists. 

As to causes? Most scientists agree that greenhouse gasses are the major cause, though there are other less significant causes as well (e.g., clearing large swaths of forestation for agricultural purposes). 

The issue of global warming leaves an almost unlimited supply of topics for essays, and any student will probably be able to find several that would be interesting.

Global Warming Essay Topics

An essay that attempts to attack the entire issue of global warming is doomed to failure. You simply cannot cover it all. Narrow your topic to one that can be written in a reasonable essay length. For example, if you want to write a “how to prevent global warming” essay, you should focus on one prevention strategy, not all of them.

Finding the Right Resources

There is so much written on this topic today, you will have no problem finding a huge number of resources on your topic. The question will be finding resources that are credible.

A politician who is heavily supported by the fossil fuel industry, for example, is not a credible resource – he or she is obviously biased and not a scientist.

As you search for resources, ask yourself these questions:

• Is the author credible? What are his qualifications to produce content on global warming?
• What biases might the author have? 
• Is the author either a researcher or is he using research to back up his points?
• Who is publishing this piece? Is it a scientific organization, a corporate entity with a financial interest, etc.?

You want reputable resources or your arguments/points will not be valid.

Writing an Essay on Global Warming

First, you must decide what type of essay you are writing – expository (informative, descriptive, etc.), analysis, persuasive, etc. Take a look at the topics above. They will, by their descriptions, tell you what type of essay you will be writing.

Whichever type of essay you write, you will need to follow the same structure and format that all academic essays follow – an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

The introduction: you will want to begin with a great “hook” that relates to your topic – a quote, a startling statistic, or an anecdote are always good. Then, you will need to state your thesis – what is the point of your essay and why is it important?

Each body paragraph must relate to your thesis statement. You will need to organize your thoughts and the details, paragraph by paragraph, and each paragraph should relate to only one point. Get your paragraph topic sentences and details down in writing before you begin your rough draft.

Your conclusion should restate your thesis, perhaps include your personal reflection on the topic, or provide a call to action for your reader.

Be certain that you write a rough draft first, review and edit it carefully, and then prepare your final draft. Resources must be cited correctly.

If you do a good amount of “legwork” on your topic, choose your resources carefully, and make sure that your final piece is grammatically perfect; you are on the path to a great grade/score.