Student Name_____________________ Class ID#____________ Date ____________
DROWNING THE BIG APPLE WORKSHEET (DNY-1)

PART 1: BELIEF IN THE HYPOTHESES
INSTRUCTIONS:
For Hypotheses 1 and 2 (below), indicate how certain you are that each is correct by clicking on the appropriate word or phrase on the 'Degree of Certainty' dropdown menus.

HYPOTHESIS 1: Human addition of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere is a significant cause of global warming. (Refer to the Hypothesis of Anthropogenic Global Warming Worksheet CP-2.)

Degree of Certainty
Choose from the drop-down menu:

HYPOTHESIS 2: Because of an ongoing worldwide rise in sea level, by the end of this century, large parts of the city will frequently be inundated by storm surge floods. (Refer to NY Storm Surge Hazard Exercise Printout D-3.)

Degree of Certainty
Choose from the drop-down menu:

PART 2: WHAT IS THE APPROPRIATE RESPONSE?

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Read Opinions 1 and 2 as to what is the appropriate response.

Opinion 1.

Some people believe that if Hypothesis 2 has any merit, we should prepare for the worst eventuality.

 Opinion 2.

Others say that unless Hypothesis 2 is highly supported, we shouldn't waste precious public resources on preparing for an unlikely event.

Clearly, it is important for the people of New York City to draw correct conclusions about the seriousness of storm surge hazard. Note that for those who believe future storm surge hazard will be significant (Hypothesis 2), what they think should be done about it may well depend in part upon how they feel about the reality of anthropogenic global warming (Hypothesis 1).

2. In light of your 'certainty' choices for Hypotheses 1 and 2, and a review of Opinions 1 and 2, answer the following question in the Text Box below. Be specific in your suggestions and justify your answer. Make sure what you write is consistent with your 'certainty' choices.

©2003
David J. Leveson & Wayne G. Powell