Whenever the people are well informed, they can be trusted with their own government. —Thomas Jefferson A hot-button issue in the American/International Political climate is climate change. This has also been heavily influenced by media interpretation and coverage. The scientific evidence supports the perspective that global climate change is the result of the impact of our species on the environment. However, some hold the perspective that it is just part of the earth's natural cycle. In the meantime, billions of dollars are being invested in projects and initiatives related to climate change. This has become a very divisive issue, with strong opinions about the topic. It also raises the question of who should be trusted when it comes to issues such as these—the people running our governments, scientists, or the media. After reviewing this week's material, in your initial response, consider each perspective. In America, what "side" of the climate change issue do you hear about most from politicians or the media? Do you think this could have an influence on the direction in which climate change research is headed? Why or why not? Consider what you have learned about the relationship between modern-day issues and the inherent value of the natural sciences. When responding to your peers' posts, explain why you agree or disagree with their point of view. Thinking about what you have learned about our obligations as citizens, describe why it is important for citizens to be informed about the science behind this issue. Consider what information you would want to have if you were making a decision about this issue, and when not knowing enough might lead to a poor outcome. To complete this assignment, review the Discussion Rubric document .

1. Whenever the people are well informed, they can be trusted
with their own government. —Thomas Jefferson
A hot-button issue in the American/International Political
climate is climate change. This has also been heavily influenced
by media interpretation and coverage. The scientific evidence
supports the perspective that global climate change is the result
of the impact of our species on the environment. However, some
hold the perspective that it is just part of the earth's natural
cycle. In the meantime, billions of dollars are being invested in
projects and initiatives related to climate change. This has
become a very divisive issue, with strong opinions about the
topic. It also raises the question of who should be trusted when
it comes to issues such as these—the people running our
governments, scientists, or the media.
After reviewing this week's material, in your initial response,
consider each perspective. In America, what "side" of the
climate change issue do you hear about most from politicians or
the media? Do you think this could have an influence on the
direction in which climate change research is headed? Why or
why not?
Consider what you have learned about the relationship between
modern-day issues and the inherent value of the natural
sciences.
When responding to your peers' posts, explain why you agree or
disagree with their point of view. Thinking about what you have
learned about our obligations as citizens, describe why it is
important for citizens to be informed about the science behind
this issue. Consider what information you would want to have if
you were making a decision about this issue, and when not
knowing enough might lead to a poor outcome.

2. To complete this assignment, review the
Discussion Rubric
document