Global Warming as a Social Problem

Essay by Megan.SmoakCollege, UndergraduateA, January 2009

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Essay: Global Warming: A Social ProblemBy Megan SmoakSOC 220Brief Summary: This essay is about global warming and its affects on society as a social problem. It includes the issues as well as possible solutions. The paper is 6 Pages, with 1 Works Cited page. The Works Cited page is not in correct MLA or APA citation.

Essay: Today's society consists of many different social problems. Social problems can range from affecting certain parts of society to affecting the world's society. Social problems are "situations affecting a significant number of people, that are believed to be sources of difficulty or threaten the stability of the community…" (Cancerweb.ncl.as.uk). The definition of the term 'social problem' can range from a minute case to a widespread problem. A social problem can also be considered as a "social condition that a segment of society views as harmful to members of society [that is] in need of remedy."

Social problems range with each individual person. Every person has a unique perspective of what is a problem and what is not. An easy way to clarify what a social problem is if there is a public outcry for a solution to it. While most commonly thought of social problems are based on discrimination and stereotypes, one specific social problem that does not fit into these standards is global warming.

Global warming is "an increase in earth's average atmospheric temperature that causes corresponding changes in climate… that may result from the greenhouse effect" (Dictionary.com). As a social problem, global warming is a fairly large and broad topic. The greenhouse effect is an environmental condition caused by excessive quantities of carbon dioxide, water vapor, methane, and nitrous oxide in the atmosphere. These definitions are simply physical definitions. In terms of being a social problem, global warming and...