Rhetorical Analysis Of Why The Environment Is Fail

Why The Environment Is Failing The environment is dying. Air pollution, pesticides, plastic production and more are damaging the planet. Further production of these products will kill the environment. These dangers are addressed by Barry Commoner in Why We Have Failed. He uses statistics, word choice, and pathos and logos to persuade his audience into believing that environmental issues are of critical importance.

Authors are able to persuade readers' perspectives by using mathematical facts. By using statistics, Barry Commoner expresses his opinion on issues concerning the downfall of the environment. Throughout the article, Why We Have Failed, Barry Commoner states, “Overall improvement in major pollutants amounts to only 15 to 20 percent

Barry Commoner presents proper word choice in the article Why We Have Failed, and sets the tone and supports his opinion and purpose of the article. Commoner’s use of word choice directs the readers focus on how plastic production could be used for more useful products, “ If the use of plastics was cut back to those things considered worth the social costs (say artificial hearts or video tape), then we could push back the petrochemical industry’s toxic invasion of the biosphere” ( par. 10). Commoner creates a believable point of view regarding environmental matters. By overemphasizing words and using the correct word choice he creates an atmosphere surrounding plastic production. His use of word choice projects how he can communicate confidence for his cause. For example Commoner states, “The goal established by the Clean Air Act in 1970 could have been met if the EPA had confronted the auto industry with a demand for fundamental changes in engine design, changes that were practical and possible” (par. 9). By using correct word choice Commoner persuades his audience into believing that these environmental issues are hurting the planet. Commoners use of word choice was also heavily influenced by

Commoner’s use of pathos connects the readers with the article, and gives the message a relatable and personal touch. In the article Why We Have Failed, Commoner says “ So, on the risk/benefit scale, the poor can be exposed to more pollution than the rich…. the siting of an municipal incinerator or a hazardous waste landfill-falls disproportionately on poor people, who lack the political and financial clout to deter the risk” (par. 17.) This particular quote from Commoner’s article shows that poor people are more harmed by pollution than rich people due to their financial circumstances. Commoner uses pathos to trigger emotions of sympathy and sadness from the readers regarding the effect of pollution on poor people. Another example of this is, “Should poor people be subjected to a more severe environmental burden than rich people, simply because they lack the resources to evade it?” (par. 18). Commoner uses emotions to grab the reade'’s attention and makes them sympathize with those who are affected by air pollution and those who cannot fix those problems. Using emotions as a way to persuade an audience to agree with his side of the argument. Commoner also uses ethos and his credibility to prove his