Leonardo DiCaprio speech analysis

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act anew" (II. 10/11). After that he enumerates some of his own experience with the consequences of climate change. (II. 20-37) He mentions nearly every effect of climate change, which underlines the wide range of disasters to come if nothing is done. But it also shows that the effects of climate change can already been seen and already cost lives. By mentioning countries all around the world ("Beijing" I. 24, "California" 1.31), he makes clear that every country can and will be affected. Thereby he wants to show the leaders that they will have to do something about the climate change, because otherwise it is certain that also their folk will suffer from the catastrophes. He also reinforces the fact, that these are the consequences of human activities (I. 40), and the catastrophes "will become astronomically worse in the future” (II. 41/42) if no one is willing to change something. Moreover, he uses factual arguments as well as emotional ones. For example, he mentions scientists, which are saying "that climate change is happening faster" (l. 48) than they thought. But he also reinforces his message by making clear that future generations will be ashamed of the present people if they did nothing to save their planet for them, this statement puts pressure on the politicians not to disappoint the next generation. Furthermore, Leonardo DiCaprio admits that the Paris Agreement is a good step in the right direction, which is a "reason for hope" (1. 61). However, he specifically emphasizes that this will not be enough to save the planet. He states that it surely will not be easy (I. 73), but that there are many things which could and should be changed by them. (II. 75/76) He also remarks that saving the plant will also have economic advantages (1. 79), this is certainly a persuasive argument for most leaders. Moreover, he points out that only they can truly change something to save the planet ("it is now upon you" I. 81), which once more puts pressure on them and makes clear how much responsibility they have, and that they must do something because no one else will have the power to change as much as they can. For the second time Leonardo DiCaprio talks about Abraham Lincoln and uses an enumeration "to lead, to inspire and empower" (II. 82/83) to describe his actions. Thereby he wants to encourage governments to act like the former president in order to make a difference and someday be as highly respected as he is. But to do this, they not only have to comply with their contracts, but also do more than they stipulate (1. 87). In the end he uses a repetition and an ellipsis "no more talk. No more excuses. No more ten year-studies. No more...." (I. 98f) to stress the need to do something right now and not search for excuses. Finally, he rounds off his speech by once again taking up the allusion from the beginning. And thus, making it clear to the leaders that they now have the chance to be honored like Abraham Lincoln or despised. (I. 111/112) Leonardo DiCaprio uses the last sentence of the speech, which is particularly memorable for the audience, to make it clear again that everyone is going to die if they decide to not do anything. (l. 116f.) Besides the rhetorical devices that where already mentioned, Leonardo DiCaprio uses two metaphors in line 24 and 50 ("Beijing choked by industrial pollution" & "has become a runaway freight train bringing with it an impending disaster") to show the deadly consequences of climate change and that things will get even worse as soon as the situation is like a freight train out of control (1.50). Which stresses the need do something to prevent this situation. He also makes use of many personal pronouns for example in the lines 44-46, 81, 86, 94. By directly addressing his audience he not only gets their attention but also points out that they are needed to save the planet, which put pressure on them. Also, the inclusive language he uses in the lines 71, 78, 85 shows that they are part of the planet and the human species which must be saved. This makes them feel more responsible for their own kind since they feel like a part of a bigger project. In the end Leonardo DiCaprio makes use of contrasts "will either be lauded by future generations or vilified by them" (I. 106f.), "nobly saved, or meanly lose" (I. 113), in order to show them that there arnly two options. They either choose to save this planet or destroy it. This also underlines the need to do something to be on the good side of history (I. 92) and remembered and honored just like some of their predecessors. Inconclusion one could say that Leonardo DiCaprio is trying to get the leaders to change something when they return to their countries in order to save humanity and the planet. He wants them to understand that this is the last chance, as climate change is destroying more and more of the planet, and that there are only benefits to doing something about it.