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:

1. It demonstrates the global nature of climate change
2. It provides tangible examples that the audience can visualize
3. 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.

Direct Address and Call to Action

In this section, Leonardo DiCaprio directly addresses climate change skeptics and world leaders, employing a rhetorical strategy that assumes agreement with his position.

Quote: "[...] you know what will happen if this scourge is left unchecked. You know that climate change is happening [...]"

This approach serves to:

1. Create a sense of shared understanding
2. Pressure those who might disagree to reconsider their position
3. Reinforce the urgency of the issue

DiCaprio then moves to specific calls for action, emphasizing the immediate need for concrete measures.

Quote: "[...] required right now."

Rhetorical device: The use of alliteration in this phrase makes it more memorable and impactful.

The speech employs a powerful ellipsis to drive home the point:

Quote: "no more excuses"

This concise statement serves as a direct challenge to world leaders, urging them to take responsibility and act without delay.

Conclusion and Final Appeal

DiCaprio concludes his speech by returning to the Abraham Lincoln allusion, creating a circular structure that reinforces his opening message.

Quote: "in honour or dishonour"

This final contrast presents two possible futures:

1. One where action is taken and future generations look back with honor
2. Another where inaction leads to dishonor

Highlight: The speech's conclusion effectively ties back to its opening, creating a cohesive and impactful message.

Purpose: The overall purpose of Leonardo DiCaprio's speech is to galvanize world leaders and the public into taking immediate and decisive action on climate change, using a combination of historical parallels, personal observations, and urgent calls to action.