1. Research Findings
Drawing Conclusions  How can one person impact the world? How can we resolve the issue?
Globalization has changed the relationship between human beings and the environment. Over the past
weeks, the contemporary issue we have been studying is global warming, and how it is affecting the
landscape of our global economy. In a few minutes, we will hear a report that focuses on individual action
and personal recommendations through the discussion of two major questions relating to Global Warming:
How can one person impact the world? How can we resolve the issue? Please stay tuned…
Global warming is disrupting peoples’ lives every day, and pollution is a major cause. YOU can make a
difference TODAY. But I’m sure you are wondering how? Well, take baby steps. As with anything, small
changes add up. Burning fossil fuels to power our homes and run our cars create global warming. Changes,
whether big or small, can add up and make a real difference in the fight against global warming.
Did you know that making smart choices at home matters? The energy we use at home accounts for about a
fifth of U.S. global warming pollution. Making smart choices at home, including turning off unnecessary lights,
keeping windows closed tightly, running the dishwasher ONLY when full, recycling paper/plastic/glass, and
buying energy efficient light bulbs are all baby steps that will lead to a cleaner environment for everyone.
Did you know that making smart choices on the road matters? Buying an energy efficient vehicle and making
smart driving choices matter. 32 million cars and trucks driving on the road today have at least two under-
inflated tires. Why should you care about this? Well, this wastes about 500 million gallons of gas annually.
With a scarcity of this natural resource, we need to make smart choices and be more efficient. Take baby
steps, and you will make a difference.
So, can we resolve this issue through individual action? The answer is YES. We can make a collective impact.
Here’s some proof if you aren’t already convinced: "Change the World, Start with ENERGY STAR" is a national
campaign encouraging all Americans to join with millions of others and take small, individual steps that make
a big difference in the fight against global warming. According to energystar.gov, 2.2 million People Have
Taken The Pledge to save energy and help fight global warming. This has resulted in a collective reduction of
5.8 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions, and has saved $426 million in energy costs. We’re making a
difference!
So, what should you do right now? Spread the word. Educate your family and friends on ways they can make
a difference. Become an informed citizen, and stay up-to-date with current events affecting your local
community. Join an online community, talk to local representatives and policy markers, start a blog, connect
and collaborative with other students from around the world and develop action plans. The bottom line is,
saving energy is mutually beneficial; it helps the planet and it helps your wallet. In an increasingly
competitive global economy, we need to make smart choices. Every trade-off has advantages and
disadvantages, but the opportunity cost of being uninvolved is the cleaner environment and global landscape
we all wish to enjoy. So, go to epa.gov/pick5 and commit to our environment by choosing five actions you’ll
obligate to, or go to fightglobalwarming.com and calculate your current personal impact; determine how your
personal carbon pollution compares to the Average American and find out what you can do to make a
difference. This is a global issue that requires global participation. Spread the word and become involved
today!

2. Sources (see annotated bibliography for more information):
www.energystar.gov
www.fightglobalwarming.com
http://www.epa.gov/pick5/