Background
Climate change (warming atmosphere-melting of the Arctic Sea ice) may shut down an ocean
current that carries warmth to the North Atlantic Ocean. The current known as the Atlantic
Meridional Overturning Current (AMOC) aka The Great Ocean Conveyor is a major player in
the global climate system. There are signs in the paleoclimate record indicating the AMOC has
shut down for decades following mass melting of ice sheets. Global circulation climate models
suggest the freshening of North Atlantic Ocean waters would likely only weaken the current;
however, new research by Wei Liu at Yale University (2017) suggests previous models may have
actually overestimated the stability of the AMOC. (Becker, R. 2017; The Verge)
Between August 25-29, 2017, Hurricane Harvey dumped over 4 feet of rain on southeastern
Texas and within a week Hurricane Irma (the most powerful Atlantic hurricane on record)
approached the Florida Keys as a Category 5. Atmospheric Scientists and Climatologists warned
a decade ago that increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide (as well as other variable gases that
warm atmospheric/ocean temperatures) would likely produce extreme ‘weather’events.
In April 2017, atmospheric carbon dioxide levels reached 410 ppm at Mauna Loa Observatory in
Hawaii. According to Brian Kahn at Climate Central, “it’s a new atmosphere that humanity will
have to contend with, one that’s trapping more heat and causing the climate to change at a
quickening rate.”
In 2017 we may have witnessed the breach of the ‘climate change threshold’ scientists have
warned us about for decades, yet as the atmosphere and oceans warm and ice sheets continue to
melt, there are still many who refuse to accept the role humans play in Earth’s changing climate.
General Descriiption of the Assignment.
For this assignment, students will be required to read a series of selected articles including, The
Art of Integrative Thinking by Roger Martin & Hilary Austin, locate 3 reference sources, conduct
research and locate quantitative data to properly address questions 3, 4 & 8.
Students will be asked to complete a series of 8 questions to assess the student’s ability to apply
critical-integrative thinking skills.
To complete the Critical/Integrative Thinking exercise, students must answer a series of (8)
follow-up questions and for questions 3, 4 & 8 students are required to incorporate the ‘Choice
Cascade Model’ of Integrative Thinking; Salience, Causality, Sequencing, and Resolution, which
is addressed in the aforementioned article, The Art of Integrative Thinking and quantitative data
in the form of charts or graphs. Proper citation of referenced material included in the answers
using the American Psychological Association (A.P.A.) format.
{Note: Use as much space as needed to answer each question thoroughly. 3-5 paragraphs
per question minimum}
Question: What is the role (if any) of humans in climate change and is it too late to do
anything about it?
CRITICAL/INTEGRATIVE THINKING QUESTIONS
**Students are to answer the larger question above by answering the 8 questions below**
1. Explain the problem and explain why it is a conflict.
2. Describe the different parties involved in the conflict and their viewpoints within the conflict.
3. What factual information supports your viewpoint? Cite sources and include quantitative data
(1 graph or chart)
4. Describe at least one viewpoint on the issue that differs from yours. Explain the facts and
principles that support this opposing viewpoint. (More than one opposing viewpoint may need to
be discussed) Cite sources and include quantitative data (1 graph or chart)
5. How do different contexts (i.e. cultural/social, educational, technological, political, scientific,
economic, personal experience) influence your viewpoint?
6. What is your viewpoint on the issue? In other words, which group or party do you side with?
7. If your viewpoint was carried out, what would be the implications and consequences (good
and bad) for appropriate stakeholders and all of society?
8. In your opinion, how important is it to analyze quantitative data before formulating an opinion
about an important issue?