Read the excerpt from Greta Thunberg’s speech at the United Nations Climate Action Summit. The popular idea of cutting our emissions in half in 10 years only gives us a 50 percent chance of staying below 1 point 5 degrees [Celsius], and the risk of setting off irreversible chain reactions beyond human control. How does the speaker’s use of logos support her argument?
Answer
A
The speaker refers to outside sources to support the argument that there is nothing we can do about climate change.
B
The speaker uses the phrase “ 50 percent chance” to support the argument that the risk of further climate change is high.
C
The speaker uses the phrase “in 10 years” to show that too much time has been spent ignoring climate change.
D
The speaker refers to her own research to show that she understands more about climate change than most experts.
Explanation
Logos appeals to logic and evidence. Thunberg uses the specific statistic “50 percent chance” to show that cutting emissions in half within 10 years would still leave a substantial risk of exceeding 1.5°C and triggering irreversible changes. This supports her argument that the proposed pace of action is not safe enough. The excerpt does not say she is citing her own research or that nothing can be done.
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