In this assignment I was supposed to find a commentary on the internet and state the writer’s position.

Furthermore I am going to talk about whether I agree or disagree with this position.

Source: article: http://www.sueddeutsche.de/wissen/artikel/206/90116/

The author (Wolfgang Roth) of this commentary represents the most common view regarding global warming. Primarily Roth is not satisfied with the results of the Kyoto protocol and the emission conference in Rio. He argues that although 2 years after the Kyoto protocol and 15 years after the conference in Rio CO2 emissions have increased leaving the world in worse condition than it has ever been.

Roth is also concerned that the most industrialized countries don’t weigh the global warming issue as seriously as they should. Ironically the countries that should be dealing with this issue most seriously have the greatest neglect for it. He talks specifically about China India and the USA and their political policies on global warming. These are countries where in Roth’s opinion global warming isn’t seen as a big issue yet. But Roth also emphasizes that there is hope for decreasing greenhouse gas emissions since, “only ignoramuses doubt that the human being affects our climate”.

I agree with Roth that more attention has to be paid on global warming by several countries. 15 years after the conference in Rio emission levels have increased and this is not only due to neglect to inform the public of the severity of the situation but also due to economic growth. Since today more people drive cars and the automobile industry has grown by comparison to 15 years ago it is logical to have higher emissions.

The fact that Roth calls people who don’t believe that human beings plays a big rule in global warming “ignoramuses” takes away the author’s credibility.

There is also the view that global warming is the result of natural causes and therefore humans have little or no effect on the climate of the earth. In my opinion this article was too aggressive regarding a very sensitive topic.