Science in Today’s World

Question 1 

The major objective of the article is to elaborate on how the United States generates various sources of energy, their uses, and the changes that have been exhibited in the nation for an extended period. The significant sources of energy are petroleum, natural gas, nuclear energy, and renewable sources of energy. The article shows research done in 2017 indicates how domestic consumption of energy constitutes approximately 90 percent of the total amount of energy produced in the nation (State and U.S Territory Data, 2018). In essence, the article indicates the significant sources of energy in the United States, how it is consumed in different sectors, and the changes that have been exhibited over a period in the nation. 

According to the article, roughly, 90 percent of the power produced in the US is consumed in different sectors of the nation. However, the production of energy has changed, and people are adopting new methods that are pocket and environment-friendly to ensure that they get the same benefits of energy as before. For instance, there is a change in coal production since it peaked in 2008 drifted down in 2016 and increased by approximately 6 percent in 2017 (State and U.S Territory Data, 2018). The reason for its decline in consumption is that it has been replaced by electricity. Such changes have enhanced better ways to protect the environment. 

Question 2 

From different fashionable periodicals and sites, I have gained a lot concerning scientific research targeting the average reader. For instance, an article “Risks and Precautions of Genetically Modified Organisms” shows the types of modified animals and plants in the contemporary world and their effects on the average human beings. It, therefore, addresses the ordinary readers who have to u understand all the risks which are associated with genetically modified organisms such as interbreeding, and wellbeing of the people and their surroundings (Prakash et al., 2011). Such issues are the ones that affect the average people, and they need to be addressed competently. As such, the article targets the ordinary reader's end enlightens them on scientific understanding. 

The definite considerations that I would make to decide the dependability of the resource materials are the information they offer with the particular time that such events occurred. In essence, I look at the dependability of the data depending on the facts and statistics provided. For instance, it is definite that the major areas that consume much power are Electric sector—38.1 Transportation departments—28.8%, Industrialization settings—22.4%, Living areas—6.2%, Commercial—4.5% (State and U.S Territory Data (2018). Such information offers substantial statistical information statistically presented. 

Question 3 

There are different issues that I would implement to establish the consistency of any sources in the course. For instance, there are peer-reviewed articles that I believe provide reliable information that I would like to use and do the research. “Risks and precautions of genetically modified organisms” is an article that has information conducted by different people. Such people have different ideologies, and they offer reliable information that any reader can depend on it. For instance, it states all the risks and precautions associated with genetically modified organisms and breaks down the information for easy understanding (Prakash et al., 2011). As such, it is a reliable source that gives substantiated information for the readers. 

Additionally, I look at the arguments of the authors to identify the reliability of the information and the substantiation of information from other sources. “Risks and precautions of genetically modified organisms” incorporate information from other sources such as the World Health Conservation to indicate that the information is not based on one person. It is detailed information that any reader would like to have. It shows the concern of the author to engross other sources that offer consistent information. 

Question 4 

Global warming and climate change are major technical themes that I have interacted with in this study, and it has changed my mind about the two issues. For instance, I have come to realize that global warming is an international environmental predicament that is prevalent due to the development of industries and recklessness of people on issues concerning ecological changes. Through the TED talk from Dr. Marshall, I have realized that people have complete control of the environment and if they wish to change the environmental degradation (Shepherd, 2018). They can do it within a short period since they have all the control over the environmental activities. 

Global warming and climate change contribute to the environmental menace that people face in the contemporary world. However, I have realized that educating people on all the predicaments that their activities pose to the environment can be a critical undertaking I changing their mind and living in an environment that is free from any contamination. At 11:34 minute, Dr. Shepherd states that weather is an individual’s mood, but the climate is the personality of a person (Shepherd, 2018). Therefore, if people have unity, they can change all their characters, and changes in the environment will also be exhibited. I have also learned from the readings that most people do not understand what climate change entails and the practices that one can implement to stay in a conducive environment. If people get such information from talks like the one Dr. Shepherd offers, it can be a critical undertaking to the lives of the people. As such, I believe that people should engage more in learning and understanding environmental changes to rectify the malpractices that affect it. 

References 

Prakash, D., Verma, S., Bhatia, R., & Tiwary, B. N. (2011). Risks and precautions of genetically modified organisms.  ISRN Ecology ,  2011 . 

Shepherd M. (2018) Slaying the "zombies" of climate science | | TEDxAtlanta https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O019WPJ2Kjs&feature=youtu.be)- 

State and U.S Territory Data (2018); The United States uses a Mix of Energy Sources https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/index.php?page=us_energy_home