Climate Change Metaphors

In 2014, Leonardo DiCaprio gives a speech to tell the United Nations and the rest of the world about climate change. In the speech, DiCaprio talks about how the effects of climate change will cause our world to ruin. To exemplify these ways, DiCaprio uses the technique, metaphor, and appeal, pathos. The first way DiCaprio expresses his dislike for climate change is by using metaphors. One metaphor he uses is in paragraph 8, saying, “It has become a runaway freight train bringing with it impending disaster for all living things.” When DiCaprio says this, he is telling the congregation that climate change is coming fast and the needs to change it are more urgent now than ever before. It’s almost as if the disaster is a passenger on the train and once that train arrives, our world will crumple. Another metaphor he uses is in paragraph 12 saying that “reversing climate change is not easy but the tools are in our hands if we apply them before it is too late.” When saying this, he’s telling the audience that we can fix it if

One example of pathos used would be in paragraph 15 when DiCaprio says,” You will either be lauded by future generations, or vilified by them.” DiCaprio says this to make the global audience understand that the world cannot keep up with the pace we are going at. He is implying that we should want to be adored and cheered on for saving our world. Another example of pathos DiCaprio uses is when he says,” That is our charge now- you are the last best hope on Earth. We ask you to protect it. Or we- and all living things we cherish- are history.”(par. 21). DiCaprio says this with much emotion to encourage the younger generations to helps save our lives. No one wants the world to end because of a problem we could have helped and fixed. The way DiCaprio uses pathos throughout his speech really makes the audience feel their emotions, and want change in the