In Tommy Lynch’s article “Why Hope Is Dangerous When It Comes to Climate Change,” published on Slate, he uses rhetorical devices such as ethos logos and pathos strategically to make his argument that an unfounded hope for technological solutions hinders the necessary re-evaluation of destructive Western lifestyles. The author’s persuasive strategy is to persuade readers to consider some of the most well-known treatises on climate change, which typically end with optimism about potential solutions. Lynch builds his ethos by citing climate scientists who believe in the same strange kind of faith: the investigation of how to deter excessive warming. Simultaneously, he also applies logos by providing evidence from experts, such as ocean acidification and melting ice specialists. The pathos is evident when he delves into the possible, despicable endings that establish a sense of urgency.
The article by Lynch identifies the rhetorical context that the impact of urgent discourse on climate change has created. In his introduction to the climate change discussion, Lynch recalls fear across the globe as one of its primary characteristics, since if it continues unabated, there is a possibility that humanity could wallow towards end times when whole countries would drown under devastation from floods. The discourse is trapped in the wish to untangle and react to environmental factors shown by Lynch through citing David Wallace-Well’s elaborate consideration of climate change impact. The premises preceding Lynch’s argument act as a basis for the very foretelling, compelling readers to rethink their perception of climate change in such scary proof. Lynch employs ethos because he brings into view the opinions of climate scientists; they suppose something like a rather strange sort of faith that lets them keep radical warming in check. It minimizes his argument with credible voices, increasing this state’s importance. Additionally, he uses reasoning to support his argument, which draws comparisons between ocean acidification and ice melting from the expertise of experts. The pathos starts as he speaks of potential downbeat endings, making it pessimistic and leading to an attachment among the readers.
In his “Why Hope is Dangerous When It Comes to Global Warming” essay, Tommy Lynch wants to reverse the predominant language of hope that now permeates climate change discourse. Lynch argues that hope, especially technological solutions to maintain the current way of life, is an obstacle to tackling the structural root causes that give rise to climate change. He aims to make readers rethink the importance of positive attitudes and technology-based solutions, convincing them of a less optimistic worldview that sees unsolvable problems in current societal conventions or practices.
Tommy Lynch is speaking to worried citizens, including policymakers and ecological environmentalists. This article is designed to convince readers who were told optimistic stories about the remedies for climate change to rethink their positions. Moreover, Lynch’s argument is enhanced by mentioning specialists and scientists, while an audience that closely follows climate science becomes more knowledgeable. In addition, by targeting people who may be in a position to influence or control environmental policies.
The source used to support Lynch’s argument is Slate Magazine, an online resource that we should trust, and it mainly focuses on current events with detailed analyses. Given Lynch’s desire to reach a wide audience, slate is an effective medium of communication because it targets members of different cultures and walks of life. The multimedia elements that can be used in the online format add to the value of how Lynch’s argument is presented. The use of Slate as the medium is in line with Lynch’s intention to provide an informed conversation on climate change and accessibility for a majority of readers.
By adding expert opinions and scientific insights, Lynch builds his ethos. He quotes David Wallace-Wells, who is a reputable figure in climate change discourse, and relies on various experts to emphasize the gravity of the problem. By associating himself with credible sources, Lynch creates trust with the audience. For instance, while considering the possible effects of climate change, Lynch writes, “Drawing on a wide range of experts, Wallace-Wells tracks how climatic changes could transform all aspects of existence and planetary life.” This appeal to authority gives credibility by convincing readers that they should acknowledge his argument.
Using logos, the author presents climate-change challenges based on logical and factual arguments. Lynch talks about different aspects, including ocean acidification and melting ice temperatures, and how these scientific phenomena have impacted the well-being of our planet. For example, he clarifies that “melting of ice leads to absorption of more sunlight and warming; rising temperature speed destroys oxygen replenishing plants.” Such a reasonable line of reasoning, combined with factual pieces of evidence, makes Lynch’s argument persuasive. Moreover, Lynch addresses climate scientists’ counterarguments, which shows his detailed awareness of the topic and strengthens the logical validity of his analysis.
Lynch can effectively use pathos to evoke a response from the audience. The author uses the fear that is associated with climate change to identify a dire future. Phrases like “the future is almost certainly worse than you can think” and “the fear that people will not devote adequate political and economic resources” are emotionally loaded and designed to help readers feel determined as well as accountable. Lynch also discusses the emotional connotation of hope, which she describes as cruel optimism and associates with responding to climate change. By acknowledging the emotional factor in the discourse, Lynch substantiates his argument for rethinking our approach to an impending crisis.
Finally, Lynch’s rhetorical analysis of climate change discourse combines judicious usage of ethos, logos, and pathos to maneuver its way through the considerations. The chosen rhetorical strategies are well-grounded in his desire to thwart unwarranted hope and provoke a critical revaluation of Western lifestyles. Thus, the article published in Slate Magazine taps a wide audience as it uses the Internet to provide an articulate and convincing argument. Lynch’s analysis plays an important role in the discussion about climate change by challenging readers to face some facts.
Lynch, Tommy. “Why Hope Is Dangerous When It Comes to Climate Change.” Slate Magazine, 25 July 2017, slate.com/technology/2017/07/why-climate-change-discussions-need-apocalyptic-thinking.html.