Letter to the Editor, RE: Al Gore

Hello again English 103 bloggers!

Sorry I got to everyone so late, I’ve found week three to be a little bit hectic for me. But I’m writing through it. Anyway, this week our prompt came from page 555 of our textbook. Of which I chose the first prompt, Letter to the Editor:

This letter is in regard to a speech published in your textbook, Exploring Language. “Nobel Lecture on Global Warming” by Al Gore seems to adequately explore the facts in Global Warming. I found it quite interesting that this was a lecture to be featured in the book. Given three years ago when he received a Nobel Prize for his work and influence in world climate change, his words have echoed and have slowly taken effect. We can witness a transition appearing around us.

In his speech Gore seems to first target individuals with effective ways of diction. Then as his speech goes on it seems to slowly gain wider perspective of the issue. He gives examples of today’s damages from climate related natural disasters. Gives note to the thousands of families that had found themselves homeless from natural destruction. Then backing this with solid scientific fact regarding Carbon Dioxide emissions. He eventually explains how his mission has lead him into convincing entire countries to get green, signing emissions treaties and moving toward a cleaner life. Yet with his own country failing to conform, he has become the fore front for the stop to Global Warming. Thus earning him a Nobel Prize.

In order to convey his message Gore illustrated quite colorful word usage. At some points of his speech, I felt the urgency. He explains in paragraph 12 how U.S. Navy researchers have warned that the North Polar Ice Cap could fall off a cliff in as little at seven years. I enjoy how he repeats “Seven years from now,” for effect. This idea is also compatible with ethos, pathos, and logos as we’ve been studying. First he uses logic and fact by a credible source. Then he is using a emotional plea by inferring that our entire species is liable for extinction buy the damage we’ve cause on the earth. He also borrows quotes from many influential people, gaining credibility. My favorite is his reference to a quote by the poet Robert Frost, “Some say the world will end in fire; some say in ice. Either would suffice.” So grim and scary, almost forces you to take action. I must admit for me his speech was well written and clearly thought out.

I was pleased to see Al Gore’s speech, because it needs to be reminded and not forgotten. Even if some don’t feel Global Warming is an issue, Gore’s speech can be viewed in a personal way. He speaks of consumption and dependence, in this case, on product that emits CO2 into the atmosphere. Yet even this issue could be solved if each and everyone of us cut our bad habits in half. Things as simple as turning the lights off when you leave a room or turning the faucet off when you brush your teeth. I feel Gore was only trying to take an individuals change and ripple it through communities. Urge the human race to merge toward a better more self sufficient life.