Introduction and Historical Parallel
Leonardo DiCaprio begins his speech on climate change by drawing a powerful parallel between the current climate crisis and historical challenges. He references Abraham Lincoln's efforts to address slavery, setting the stage for the gravity of the climate issue.
Quote: "to confront the defining issue of his time- slavery"
This opening establishes climate change as the defining issue of our time, emphasizing the need for urgent action. DiCaprio's use of historical allusion serves to persuade his audience by placing climate change in the context of other monumental challenges humanity has faced.
Highlight: The speech effectively uses historical comparison to underscore the importance of addressing climate change.
Personal Observations and Global Impact
DiCaprio then shares his personal experiences with climate change, providing concrete examples from around the world.
Quote: "I have seen cities like Beijing chocked by industrial pollution, ancient Boreal forest in Canada that have been clear cut, and rain forests in Indonesia that have been incinerated."
This enumeration of diverse environmental issues serves multiple purposes:
- It demonstrates the global nature of climate change
- It provides tangible examples that the audience can visualize
- It leverages DiCaprio's personal credibility as a witness to these changes
Rhetorical device: The use of anaphora (repetition of "in" at the beginning of successive sentences) reinforces the global scope of the problem.
Urgency and Prediction
The speech then shifts to emphasize the urgency of the situation, predicting dire consequences if action is not taken.
Quote: "[...] the effects of climate change will become astronomically worse in future"
This prediction serves as a powerful motivator, using fear as a persuasive tool to encourage immediate action.
