A HACKER has stolen the show at a security conference by forcing ATMs to spit out cash.

Barnaby Jack spent two years tinkering in his Silicon Valley apartment with ATMs he bought online.

They were standalone machines, the type seen in convenience stores, rather than the ones in bank branches.

His goal was to find ways to take control of ATMs by exploiting weaknesses in the computers that run the machines.

Yesterday at the Black Hat conference - an annual gathering devoted to exposing the latest computer-security vulnerabilities - he made three ATMs disgorge thousands of dollars onto the floor.

Upping the cool stakes, Mr Jack also forced the machines to display the word "Jackpot" while it was haemorrhaging cash.

His talk was one of the conference's most widely anticipated, as it had been pulled a year ago over concerns that fixes for the ATMs wouldn't be in place in time.

He used the extra year to craft more dangerous attacks.

He said the attacks could potentially be used against the ATMs operated by mainstream banks.

But how did he do it?

Mr Jack found that the physical keys that came with his machines were the same for all ATMs of that type made by that manufacturer.

He figured this out by ordering three ATMs from different manufacturers for a few thousand dollars each.

Then he compared the keys he got to pictures of other keys, found on the internet.

He used his key to unlock a compartment in the ATM that had standard USB slots.

He then inserted a program he had written into one of them, commanding the ATM to dump its vaults.

Mr Jack also hacked into ATMs by exploiting weaknesses in the way ATM makers communicate with the machines over the internet.

He said the problem was that outsiders were permitted to bypass the need for a password.

He didn't go into much more detail because he said the goal of his talk "isn't to teach everybody how to hack ATMs".

"It's to raise the issue and have ATM manufacturers be proactive about implementing fixes," he said.

The remote style of attack is more dangerous because an attacker doesn't need to open up the ATMs, allowing them to gain full control of the machine.

Besides ordering it to spit out money, attackers can silently harvest account data from anyone who uses the machines.

Mr Jack said he didn't think he'd be able to break the ATMs when he first started probing them.

"My reaction was, 'this is the game-over vulnerability right here'," he said of the remote hack.

"Every ATM I've looked at, I've been able to find a flaw in. It's a scary thing."

Mr Jack wouldn't identify the ATM makers. He put stickers over the ATM makers' names on the two machines used in his demonstration.

But the audience, which burst into applause when he made the machines spit out money, could see from the screen prompts on the ATM that one of the machines was made by US firm Tranax Technologies.

Tranax did not immediately respond to email messages from The Associated Press.

Another US firm, Triton Systems, confirmed that one of its ATMs was used in the demonstration.

It said Mr Jack alerted the company to the problems and that Triton now has a software update in place that prevents unauthorised software from running on its ATMs.

Read more: http://www.news.com.au/technology/hacker-jacks-black-hat-cash-jackpot-gobsmack/story-e6frfro0-1225898907039#ixzz0v9LpbxPZ

Comments:

This is a very interesting twist to cyber crime. Organizing an event to gather the most talented yet somewhat dangerous hackers to display their gifted skills in exploiting security weakspots. In some sense, I believe this is a very beautiful way of killing two birds with one stone. Hackers get to do what they do best without harming others and their talent is recognized. Security companies also get to know the loopholes in their systems.

However, it goes to show that the world is very vulnerable and we're constantly exposed to dangers whether virtual or not. We need to constantly be proactive such as organizing such an event which helps unearth the concealed risks and problems that we rarely know about :)

Television Argumentative Essay final

Television Essay

More than ninety percent of the ménages in advanced nations worldwide have a television set in their homes (Sharif 1999). This clearly indicates the high level of available television access. It cannot be denied that numerous families are exposed to excessive television viewing. This is verified by statistics as it shows that an individual spends approximately between two to three hours a day watching television (American Time Use Survey 2003). Therefore, I strongly believe that excessive television viewing brings about many repercussions of which include reduced cognitive ability, a false portrayal of the world to children and numerous health problems.

Extensive viewing of television can dampen the development process of a child’s ability to think (Sharif 1999). Watching television is in fact a flaccid activity and does not help stimulate any part of the brain. This results in a restrictive environment for the child to gain cognitive skills especially the art of problem solving and organisational ability (Leigh 2001). At the present time, numerous children’s programmes cause a lapse in long term concentration. This has adverse effects on academics and it also causes difficulty in focusing on homework.

In addition, watching television inordinately can also depict an unrealistic view of the world to children. Children are likely to develop their habits and behaviour based on television programs they watch (Sharif 1999). Violence and malice are also found in abundance on television programs and these may desensitise children towards violence (Sharif 1999). Children may be lead to think that all problems are solved easily and will become discouraged when faced with reality. Stereotypic attitudes may also be nurtured as characters in television programs are labelled as good or bad, sexy or tough, etc (Sharif 1991).

Furthermore, the habit of watching immoderate amounts of television may cause health problems as well. Television viewing contributes to the opportunity cost of other more beneficial activities such as homework or exercise (Rutherford 2002). Children spend less time outdoors enjoying nature or a good round of sports and physical activities. This will lead to physically inactive behaviour of children (Sharif 1991). It cannot be denied that watching television is a sluggish and inactive habit and when accompanied with junk food, it paves way for obesity and other health related diseases (Rutherford 2002).

In a nutshell, I strongly believe that excessive television viewing definitely brings about many repercussions of which include reduced cognitive ability, a false portrayal of the world to children as well as health problems. Psychologists are not swayed from the notion that heavy viewers of television are among the lowest achievers at school (Leigh 2001). However, it is my opinion that watching television with moderation at check will enable us to fend off the negative ramifications of television. It is up to us to uphold and adhere to our own principles and disciplines.

Television Argumentative Essay v2

More than ninety percent of the ménages in advanced nations worldwide have a television set in their homes (Sharif 1999). This clearly indicates the high level of available television access. It cannot be denied that numerous families are exposed to excessive television viewing. This is verified by statistics as it shows that an individual spends approximately between two to three hours a day watching television (American Time Use Survey 2003). Excessive television viewing brings about many repercussions of which include reduced cognitive ability, a false portrayal of the world to children and numerous health problems.

Extensive viewing of television can dampen the development process of a child’s ability to think (Sharif 1999). Watching television is in fact a flaccid activity and does not help stimulate any part of the brain. This results in a restrictive environment for the child to gain cognitive skills especially the art of problem solving and organisational ability (Leigh 2001). At the present time, numerous children’s programmes cause a lapse in long term concentration. This has adverse effects on academics and, it also causes difficulty in focusing on homework.

In addition, watching television inordinately can also depict an unrealistic view of the world to children. Children are likely to develop their habits and behaviour based on television programs they watch (Sharif 1999). This is because children are akin to the phrase “Monkey see, monkey do” and are known to follow examples seen by them. Violence and malice are also found in abundance on television programs and these may desensitise children towards violence (Sharif 1999). Children may be lead to think that all problems are solved easily and will become discouraged when faced with reality. Stereotypic attitudes may also be nurtured as characters in television programs are labelled as good or bad, sexy or tough, etc (Sharif 1991).

Furthermore, the habit of watching immoderate amounts of television may cause health problems as well. Television viewing contributes to the opportunity cost of other more beneficial activities such as homework or exercise (Rutherford 2002). Children spend less time outdoors enjoying nature or a good round of sports and physical activities. This will lead to physically inactive behaviour of children (Sharif 1991). It cannot be denied that watching television is a sluggish and inactive habit and when accompanied with junk food, it paves way for obesity and other health related diseases (Rutherford 2002).

In a nutshell, excessive television viewing definitely brings about many repercussions of which include reduced cognitive ability, a false portrayal of the world to children as well as health problems. Psychologists are not swayed from the notion that heavy viewers of television are among the lowest achievers at school (Leigh 2001). I suppose that’s why people nickname the television as the idiot box. However, I believe that watching television with moderation at check will enable us to fend off the negative ramifications of television. It is up to us to uphold and adhere to our own principles and disciplines.

Television Argumentative Essay

More than ninety percent of the ménages in advanced nations worldwide have a television set in their homes (Sharif 1999). This clearly indicates the high level of available television access. It cannot be denied that numerous families are exposed to excessive television viewing. This is verified by statistics as it shows that an individual spends approximately between two to three hours a day watching television (American Time Use Survey 2003). Excessive television viewing brings about many repercussions of which include reduced cognitive ability, a false portrayal of the world to children as well as health problems.

Extensive viewing of television can dampen the development process of a child’s ability to think (Sharif 1999). Watching television is in fact a flaccid activity and does not help stimulate any part of the brain. This results in a restrictive environment for the child to gain cognitive skills especially the art of problem solving and organisational ability (Leigh 2001). At the present time, numerous children’s programmes cause a lapse in long term concentration. This has adverse effects on academics and it also causes difficulty in focusing on homework.

In addition, watching television inordinately can also depict an unrealistic view of the world to children. Children are likely to develop their habits and behaviour based on television programs they watch (Sharif 1999). This is because children are akin to the phrase “Monkey see, monkey do” and are known to follow examples seen by them. Violence and malice are also found in abundance on television programs and these may desensitise children towards violence (Sharif 1999). Children may be lead to think that all problems are solved easily and will become discouraged when faced with reality. Stereotypic attitudes may also be nurtured as characters in television programs are labelled as good or bad, sexy or tough, etc (Sharif 1991).

Furthermore, the habit of watching immoderate amounts of television may cause health problems as well. Television viewing contributes to the opportunity cost of other more beneficial activities such as homework or exercise (Rutherford 2002). Children spend less time outdoors enjoying nature or a good round of sports and physical activities. This will lead to physically inactive behaviour of children (Sharif 1991). It cannot be denied that watching television is a sluggish and inactive habit and when accompanied with junk food, it paves way for obesity and other health related diseases (Rutherford 2002).

In a nutshell, excessive television viewing definitely brings about many repercussions of which include reduced cognitive ability, a false portrayal of the world to children as well as health problems. Psychologists are not swayed from the notion that heavy viewers of television are among the lowest achievers at school (Leigh 2001). I suppose that’s why people nickname the television as the idiot box. However, I believe that watching television with moderation at check will enable us to fend off the negative ramifications of television. It is up to us to uphold and adhere to our own principles and disciplines.

Junk Food Essay v3 Final

The term ‘junk food’ refers to any food that is believed to be unhealthy and does not contribute nutritionally to the human body (Smith 2000). Despite this, kids and adolescents nowadays enjoy the consumption of junk food. According to School News (2005), the profits of a high school canteen were at a high of $13000 in the year 2001 when their sales consisted majorly of junk food. This obviously depicts the younger generation’s propensity to consume junk food despite it being unhealthy. Thus, I stand with the notion of banning the sale of junk food in school canteens as it may lead to obesity, trigger behavioural problems and instigate litter problems.

Overconsumption of junk food may lead to obesity. It cannot be denied that consumption of junk food is an unhealthy habit especially if it is not taken in moderation (Smith 2005). Currently, junk food is consumed excessively by the younger generation. This is due to the wide variety of flavours made available by numerous junk food brands. As so, the students are unable to contain themselves and binge on junk food which brings about the risk of obesity. Many consumers are ignorant to the high levels of chemical additives, artificial flavouring, colouring, preservatives and excessive sugar available in junk food which is used to enhance the taste and prolong its shelf life. Consumption of these additives has the potential to trigger obesity among youngsters (Smith 2005).

In addition, junk food packaging contributes to litter problems in the society (The Food Show 2005). Littering is a societal eyesore to the community. Junk food is currently packed in trendy packaging to attract buyers but most of the time these packaging are not disposed of responsibly and end up everywhere else other than in a rubbish bin. As a result, litter increments the costs of maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in schools (Smith 2005). If this littering habit is not restrained, it will soon be second nature to the students.

On another note, consumption of junk food also causes a decline in student behaviour. According to The Food Show (2005), teachers have observed ameliorated student behaviour when sales of junk food in school canteens were done away with. Research has proven that numerous chemical additives in junk food cause hyperactivity and a lapse in concentration (Smith 2005). This would lead to further more severe problems such as a dip in academic capability and a decrease in athleticism.

As a conclusion, I strongly believe that banning the sales of junk food in school canteens would prove to be beneficial. Lack of easy access to junk food will help students restrain from overconsumption of junk food and thus, promotes moderation in eating. It is of no doubt that banning the sales of junk food would reduce the profit of school canteens but sacrificing profit for the health of our young generation is a small price to pay (Weekends News 2005). In a nutshell, banning junk food in schools may seem harsh and downright extreme but I believe that sometimes in life, we have to be cruel to be kind.

Junk Food Essay v2

The term ‘junk food’ refers to any food that is believed to be unhealthy and does not contribute nutritionally to the human body (Smith 2000). Despite this, kids and adolescents nowadays enjoy the consumption of junk food. According to School News (2005), the profits of a high school canteen were at a high of $13000 in the year 2001 when their sales consisted majorly of junk food. This obviously depicts the younger generation’s propensity to consume junk food despite it being unhealthy. Thus, I stand with the notion of banning the sale of junk food in school canteens as it may lead to obesity, trigger behavioural problems and instigate litter problems.

Overconsumption of junk food may lead to obesity. It cannot be denied that consumption of junk food is an unhealthy habit especially if it is not taken in moderation (Smith 2005). Nowadays, junk food is consumed excessively by the younger generation. This is due to the wide variety of flavours made available by numerous junk food brands. As so, the students are unable to contain themselves and binge on junk food which brings about the risk of obesity. Many consumers are ignorant to the high levels of chemical additives, artificial flavouring, colouring, preservatives and excessive sugar available in junk food which is used to enhance the taste and prolong its shelf life. Consumption of these additives has the potential to trigger obesity among youngsters (Smith 2005).

In addition, junk food packaging contributes to litter problems in the society (The Food Show 2005). Littering is a societal eyesore to the community. Junk food are currently packed in trendy packaging to attract buyers but most of the time these packaging are not disposed of responsibly and end up everywhere else other than in a rubbish bin. As a result, litter increments the costs of maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in schools (Smith 2005). If this littering habit is not restrained, it will soon be second nature to the students.

On another note, consumption of junk food also causes a decline in student behaviour. According to The Food Show (2005), teachers have observed ameliorated student behaviour when sales of junk food in school canteens were done away with. Research has proven that numerous chemical additives in junk food cause hyperactivity and a lapse in concentration (Smith 2005). This would lead to further more severe problems such as a dip in academic capability and a decrease in athleticism.

As a conclusion, I strongly believe that banning the sales of junk food in school canteens would prove to be beneficial. Lack of easy access to junk food will help students restrain from overconsumption of junk food and thus, promotes moderation in eating. It is of no doubt that banning the sales of junk food would reduce the profit of school canteens but sacrificing profit for the health of our young generation is a small price to pay (Weekends News 2005). In a nutshell, banning junk food in schools may be seem harsh and downright extreme but I believe that sometimes in life, we have to be cruel to be kind.

Junk Food Essay

The term ‘junk food’ refers to any food that is believed to be unhealthy and does not contribute nutritionally to the human body (Smith 2000). Despite this, kids and adolescents nowadays enjoy the consumption of junk food. According to School News (2005), the profits of a high school canteen were at a high of $13000 in the year 2001 when their sales consisted majorly of junk food. This obviously depicts the younger generation’s propensity to consume junk food despite it being unhealthy. Thus, I stand with the notion of banning the sale of junk food in school canteens as it may lead to obesity, trigger behavioural problems and instigate litter problems.

Overconsumption of junk food may lead to obesity. It cannot be denied that consumption of junk food is an unhealthy habit especially if it is not taken in moderation (Smith 2005). Nowadays, junk food is consumed excessively by the younger generation. This is due to the wide variety of flavours made available by numerous junk food brands. As so, the students are unable to contain themselves and binge on junk food which brings about the risk of obesity. Many consumers are ignorant to the high levels of chemical additives, artificial flavouring, colouring, preservatives and excessive sugar available in junk food which is used to enhance the taste and prolong its shelf life. Consumption of these additives has the potential to trigger obesity among youngsters (Smith 2005).

In addition, junk food packaging contributes to litter problems in the society (The Food Show 2005). Littering is a societal eyesore to the community. Junk food are currently packed in trendy packaging to attract buyers but most of the time these packaging are not disposed of responsibly and end up everywhere else other than in a rubbish bin. As a result, litter increments the costs of maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in schools (Smith 2005). If this littering habit is not restrained, it will soon be second nature to the students.

On another note, consumption of junk food also causes a decline in student behaviour. According to The Food Show (2005), teachers have observed ameliorated student behaviour when sales of junk food in school canteens were done away with. Research has proven that numerous chemical additives in junk food cause hyperactivity and a lapse in concentration (Smith 2005). This would lead to further more severe problems such as a dip in academic capability and a decrease in athleticism.

As a conclusion, I strongly believe that banning the sales of junk food in school canteens would prove to be beneficial. Lack of easy access to junk food will help students restrain from overconsumption of junk food and thus, promotes moderation in eating. Banning junk food in schools may be seem harsh and downright extreme but I believe that sometimes in life, we have to be cruel to be kind.

Text Production Draft #3 - finale~

Global warming is a matter of great concern that is often overlooked in light of other problems that appear to be more crucial. There is a lot of ambiguity surrounding the theory of global warming with two extremist groups; the deniers who deny the existence of climate change and the alarmists who strongly believe Earth is going in a downward spiral (Carter 2008). Many of us do not know the vast ramifications of global warming and its direct correlations to climate change. Thus, it is essential for us, the citizens of our planet to scrutinize and ascertain the potential effects global warming can bring unto Mother Earth and how they can be corrected.

One discernible effect of global warming could be significant rise in sea levels. Temperature rises cause the ocean water to expand which takes up more volume (Woodford 2006). It has also been argued that in the future, higher frequency of heat waves may occur, possibly causing in sea level rises and the immersion of low-lying nations (Riebeek 2007). Arctic and Antarctic glaciers are melting rapidly, draining water into the oceans and raising concerns about future large scale sea-level rises (Woodford 2006). Retreating glaciers in areas like the Kilimanjoro may cease to exist within a decade. Due to this, 40 percent of the world’s population is predicted to face severe water shortages within five decades (An Inconvenient Truth A Global Warning 2007).

In addition, it is likely that global warming will exacerbate erratic weather patterns on Mother Earth (Woodford 2006). Disturbed weather patterns beyond scientists’ ability to prognosticate may occur and translates to increased frequency of storms and hurricanes, severe floods and droughts, freak tidal waves and irregular seasonal periods. According to the film An Inconvenient Truth A Global Warning (2007), a replicated account of such erratic weather behaviour would be Hurricane Katrina in 2006, which devastated the entire New Orleans and was recorded as the costliest and one of the deadliest hurricanes in the history of the United States.

Besides that, global warming may also upset the delicate balance of the ecosystem. As global warming aggrandizes, significant climate change occurs and this suppresses animals’ well-being. The animals may not be able to adapt quickly to this extreme weather change and thus, some may face extinction (Woodford 2006). Plant species are also at risk of extinction as the climate changes raises the surrounding temperatures. This deprives the plants of water needed to survive and increases the chances of wildfire (Riebeek 2007).

It is utmost essential to solve global warming and the best method is to trim down on our carbon footprint. It is recommended that we use energy saving fluorescent lamps, utilise renewable energy, and practise fuel economical approaches when behind the wheel (Woodford 2006). It should also be stressed that governmental authorities play their part in acting against global warming. Nations should act with the bigger picture in mind; the environment. The United States has yet to sign the Kyoto Protocol, shielding themselves with China and India’s refusal to sign the climate change treaty. Their justification is that signing a climate change treaty will put themselves at an economic disadvantage due to decreased economic growth (Woodford 2006). Nations should change their mindset before it is too late.

Mother Earth is crying out loud that she is sick, and the symptoms are obvious; climate change. We cannot deny that it is essential for us, the citizens of our planet to wake up and realize the pitfalls of global warming before it is too late and strive to apprehend global warming. Future generations may well have occasion to ask themselves, "What were our parents thinking? Why didn't they wake up when they had a chance?"We have to hear that question from them, now (An Inconvenient Truth A Global Warning 2007).

Text Production Draft #2

Global warming is a matter of great concern that is often overlooked in light of other problems that seem to be more immediately demanding. There is a lot of ambiguity surrounding the theory of global warming with two extremist groups; the deniers who deny the existence of climate change and the alarmists who strongly believe Earth is going in a downward spiral (Carter, 2008). Many of us do not know the vast ramifications of global warming and its direct correlations to climate change. Thus, it is essential for us, the citizens of our planet to scrutinize and ascertain the potential effects global warming can bring unto Mother Earth and how they can be corrected.

One discernible effect of global warming could be significant rise in sea levels. Temperature rises cause the ocean water to expand which takes up more volume (Woodford, 2006). It has also been argued that in the future, higher frequency of heat waves may occur, possibly causing in sea level rises and the immersion of low-lying nations (Riebeek, 2007). Arctic and Antarctic glaciers are melting rapidly, draining water into the oceans and raising concerns about future large scale sea-level rises (Woodford, 2006). Retreating glaciers in areas like the Kilimanjoro may cease to exist within a decade. Due to this, 40 percent of the world’s population is predicted to face severe water shortages within five decades (An inconvenient truth a global warning, 2007, film on DVD, Paramount Pictures. Directed by Davis Guggenheim.).

In addition, it is likely that global warming will exacerbate erratic weather patterns on Mother Earth (Woodford, 2006). Disturbed weather patterns beyond scientists’ ability to prognosticate may occur and translates to increased frequency of storms and hurricanes, severe floods and droughts, freak tidal waves and irregular seasonal periods. A replicated account of such erratic weather behaviour would be Hurricane Katrina in 2006, which devastated the entire New Orleans and was recorded as the costliest and one of the deadliest hurricanes in the history of the United States (Gore, 2007).

Besides that, global warming may also upset the delicate balance of the ecosystem. As global warming aggrandizes, significant climate change occurs and this suppresses animals’ well-being. The animals may not be able to adapt quickly to this extreme weather change and thus, some may face extinction (Woodford, 2006). Plant species are also at risk of extinction as the climate changes raises the surrounding temperatures. This deprives the plants of water needed to survive and increases the chances of wildfire (Riebeek, 2007).

It is utmost essential to solve global warming and the best method is to trim down on our carbon footprint. It is recommended that we use energy saving fluorescent lamps, utilise renewable energy, and practise fuel economical approaches when behind the wheel (Woodford, 2006). It should also be stressed that governmental authorities play their part in acting against global warming. Nations should act with the bigger picture in mind; the environment. The United States has yet to sign the Kyoto Protocol, shielding themselves with China and India’s refusal to sign the climate change treaty. Their justification is that signing a climate change treaty will put themselves at an economic disadvantage due to decreased economic growth (Woodford, 2006). Nations should change their mindset before it is too late.

Mother Earth is crying out loud that she is sick, and the symptoms are obvious; climate change. We cannot deny that it is essential for us, the citizens of our planet to wake up and realize the pitfalls of global warming before it is too late and strive to apprehend global warming. Future generations may well have occasion to ask themselves, "What were our parents thinking? Why didn't they wake up when they had a chance?" We have to hear that question from them, now (Gore, 2007).

Text Production #1

Global warming is a matter of great concern that is unfortunately quite often overlooked in light of other problems that seem to be more immediately demanding. There is a lot of ambiguity surrounding the theory of global warming with two extremists groups; the deniers who deny the existence of climate change and the alarmists who strongly believe Mother Earth is going in a downward spiral (Carter, 2008). Many of us do not know the vast ramifications of global warming and its direct correlations to climate change. Thus, it is essential for us, the citizens of our planet to scrutinize and ascertain the potential effects global warming can bring unto Mother Earth and how they can be corrected.

One discernible effect of global warming could be the significant rise in sea levels. As temperatures rise, the ocean water expands due to the warming and takes up more volume, which thus explains the rise in water levels (Woodford, 2006). It has also been argued that rising temperatures could, in the future, lead to a higher frequency of heat waves causing rises in sea levels and possibly the immersion of low-lying nations (Riebeek, 2007). North and South Poles are warming dramatically, resulting in Arctic and Antarctic glaciers melting rapidly, draining water into the oceans and raising concerns about large-scale rises in sea-level (Woodford, 2006). Retreating glaciers in parts of the world such as the Kilimanjoro may cease to exist within a decade or so. Due to this melting, 40 percent of the world’s population are predicted to face severe water shortages within five decades (An inconvenient truth a global warning, 2007, film on DVD, Paramount Pictures. Directed by Davis Guggenheim.)

In addition, it is also likely that global warming will exacerbate erratic weather patterns on Mother Earth (Woodford, 2006). Warmer temperature conditions lead to disturbed weather patterns which are beyond scientists’ ability to prognosticate. This translates to increased frequency of natural disasters such as storms and hurricanes, severe floods and droughts, freak tidal waves and irregular seasonal periods. A replicated account of such erratic weather behaviour would be Hurricane Katrina in 2006, which devastated the entire New Orleans and was recorded as the costliest and one of the deadliest hurricanes in the history of the United States (Gore, 2006).

Besides that, global warming may also upset the delicate balance of the ecosystem. As global warming aggrandizes, significant climate change occurs and this suppresses the well-being of the animals. The animals may not be able to adapt quickly to this extreme weather change and due to this, some may face extinction (Woodford, 2006). Plant species are also at risk of extinction as the climate changes raises the surrounding temperatures. This deprives the plants of water needed to survive and increases the chances of wildfire (Riebeek, 2007).

It is utmost essential for us to solve global warming and the best method is to trim down on our carbon footprint. It is recommended that we use energy saving electronic appliances such as fluorescent lamps, utilise renewable energy, and practise fuel economical approaches when behind the wheel (Woodford, 2006). It should also be stressed that governmental authorities play their part in acting against global warming. Nations should act with the bigger picture in mind, the environment. Implementation of policies and strategies to counteract global warming are a good way to start off. However, the United States has yet to sign the Kyoto Protocol, shielding themselves with China and India’s refusal to sign the climate change treaty. Their justification is that signing a climate change treaty will put themselves at an economic disadvantage due to decreased economic growth (Woodford, 2006). Nations should start to act now and change their mindset before it is too late.

To put things in a nutshell, I personally believe that Mother Earth is crying out loud that she is sick and the symptoms are obvious; climate change. We cannot deny that it is essential for us, the citizens of our planet to wake up and realize the pitfalls of global warming before it is too late and strive to apprehend global warming as soon as possible. Future generations may well have occasion to ask themselves, "What were our parents thinking? Why didn't they wake up when they had a chance?" We have to hear that question from them, now (Gore, 2006).

Australian Newspaper Articles

Massive Hailstones pound Melbourne

Severe thunderstorms have hit Melbourne as parts of Victoria are lashed by strong winds and large hail stones.

Hailstones the size of golf balls have hit the suburb of Melton, in Melbourne's west, as a line of storms moved through western Victoria.

Winds of more 100 kilometres an hour have been recorded at Melbourne Airport while nearly 40 millimetres of rain fell at Rockbank, west of Melbourne.

Streets across Melbourne's CBD have been flooded and police are warning people not to drive through the flooded areas after some motorists became trapped.

Trains and trams have been disrupted by the weather.

The Bureau of Meteorology says the storms will continue through to the evening and heavy rain is likely.

The State Emergency Service has responded to 1,500 calls for help .

Andrew Gissing from the SES says more storms are expected to hit Melbourne tonight.

"Our SES crews have been out on the road this afternoon responding to people with damaged roofs, also flash flood waters entering properties and also assisting other emergency services in response to the flash flooding and the hail damage this afternoon," he said.

ABC reporter Tom Nightingale was at Southern Cross Railway Station in the city when the storm hit.

He says the station was blocked off and commuters were stranded after hail damaged the roof.

"All of a sudden, with a really loud crash a whole bunch of hail and water just broke through the roof basically and fell on platform two, which is the one which is closest to Spencer Street," he said.

"It probably took a good half an hour for authorities to block it off to stop people from walking around where it was unsafe to do so."

The AFL had to abandon practice matches this afternoon because of the storm.

article adapted from ABC News - http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/03/06/2838448.htm

Critique:

The article informs us about the peculiar storm that struck the west of Melbourne with massive winds and large hailstones. Hailstones the size of tennis balls showered Melton town located at the suburbs of west Melbourne causing a 1500-odd calamities and emergencies that the State Emergency Service (SES) had to respond to. Such unforeseen weather predicaments are an indication of how vulnerable our weather system is and an accurate indicator of how sick Mother Earth is. We are suffering the effects of climate change and we, as the residents of this Earth need to do something to save our one and only home.