Addressing the Paris Agreement and Call to Action
In the second part of his climate change speech, Leonardo DiCaprio acknowledges the Paris Agreement as a positive step while emphasizing that it alone is insufficient to address the climate crisis fully. This balanced approach allows him to commend the leaders for their progress while still pushing for more ambitious action.
DiCaprio uses several rhetorical devices to strengthen his argument:
- He admits that tackling climate change won't be easy, showing empathy with the challenges leaders face.
- He highlights potential economic benefits of climate action, appealing to practical considerations.
- He places the responsibility squarely on the leaders present, using phrases like "it is now upon you" to emphasize their crucial role.
Quote: "Now is the moment for bold, unprecedented action. It is time to declare no more talk, no more excuses, no more ten-year studies."
The speech draws another parallel to Abraham Lincoln, encouraging leaders to "lead, inspire, and empower" as Lincoln did. This reinforces the historical significance of their potential actions and the opportunity to be remembered as visionaries who saved humanity.
DiCaprio employs repetition and an ellipsis to drive home the urgency of immediate action:
Quote: "No more talk. No more excuses. No more ten-year studies. No more..."
This technique creates a sense of momentum and impatience, urging leaders to move beyond deliberation to concrete action.
The speech concludes with a stark reminder of the consequences of inaction, framing climate change as an existential threat to humanity. DiCaprio's final words leave the audience with a clear choice between being honored for their courage or despised for their failure to act.
Highlight: The speech's conclusion effectively combines historical allusion, emotional appeal, and a sense of urgency to motivate world leaders to take bold action on climate change.
Throughout the speech, DiCaprio uses metaphors to illustrate the severity of the climate crisis:
Vocabulary: Metaphor - A figure of speech that describes an object or action in a way that isn't literally true, but helps explain an idea or make a comparison.
Example: DiCaprio describes climate change as a "runaway freight train bringing with it an impending disaster," vividly conveying the sense of an out-of-control situation with dire consequences.
The consistent use of personal pronouns throughout the speech creates a sense of direct address and personal responsibility, reinforcing the idea that the leaders in the audience have the power and duty to act on climate change.
