Rhetorical Analysis Sample: 4 Ways Extreme Heat Hurts The Economy

📌Category: Articles, Climate Change, Economics, Environment
📌Words: 826
📌Pages: 4
📌Published: 01 February 2022

We all have experienced the heat and one way or another the rising temperatures have had an impact on our lives. Derek Lemoine’s article informs excessive heat is directly related to slowing economic growth. He explains 4 different ways it affects society as a whole and the influence it has on individuals. Within those 4 reasons, he demonstrates his credibility by providing statistics and studies done by himself or other credible sources. He explains his argument to the audience logically, which in turn appeals to their personal life. His article describes the predicament we are in when excessive heat stunts the growth of our workforce, student learning, agricultural needs, and raised energy consumption. 

First and foremost, the main idea behind the article is to inform the audience about the implications of heatwaves and the damage it does to our economy. The format lays out 4 main points, with each point having its own supporting evidence, including studies and academic journals. The author Derek Lemoine is essentially trying to inform based upon his analysis, research, and education of the subject. Ultimately he is using the audience’s preconceived beliefs of the information such as climate change and heatwaves to keep the reader interested.

Above all, Lemoine’s authority on economic issues is very credible. Not only is he providing evidence, but he also demonstrates his knowledge on the subject. Within his writing are links to studies that support the four main points of his argument and inform the reader of his background information. When looking at his background, you’ll notice he has extensive education on the current matter. According to the U of A, “Derek Lemoine is a faculty member in the economics department and received his Ph.D. in Energy and Resources from the University of California, Berkeley.”. His article describes that energy is one of the resources affected by excessive heat, and this combined with his background knowledge creates a trustworthy atmosphere for the audience.  In this informative approach to the issue at hand, Lemoine uses his knowledge of energy solutions and economics to provide statistics and studies related to growth, agriculture, education, and energy consumption.“For example, a recent study I conducted found that an additional 2 degrees Celsius of global warming would eliminate profits from an average acre of farmland in the Eastern U.S.” When writing, the author also states “Here are four ways extreme heat hurts the economy – and a little good news.” further insinuating that he is knowledgeable of the issue with his reassurance of some solutions.

Undoubtedly, he communicates an issue that makes sense. In the beginning description of how heat affects agriculture, he states “Agriculture is obviously exposed to weather: After all, crops grow outdoors.”. He is appealing to the reader logically by stating an obvious fact before contributing to the rest of his argument on agriculture. In his writing states  “This increase in electricity use on hot days stresses electric grids right when people depend on them most, as seen in California and Texas during recent heatwaves.”. This appeals to information the reader may already know. Furthermore, when writing about the higher temperatures outside workers have to endure, Lemoine appeals to all the outside workers reading his article. Logically, these appeals combined with the studies bring the reader closer to the conclusion that heat is affecting our economy. 

Along with logical appeals, Lemoine introduces appeals to what emotions the audience might have considering children and student learning. He states “A long-term impact of increasingly hotter weather involves how it affects children’s ability to learn – and thus their future earnings.” Children affected by the heat also affect their parents, and this appeals to the emotion behind the safety of children. When there are children involved, it makes the information much more serious for the reader. Lemoine also states, “Lost learning results in lower lifetime earnings and hurts future economic growth.”. This can again appeal to parents who are concerned with their child’s growth. By applying this type of appeal not only interests readers but effectively communicates how serious the issue is or can be. The effort made to include a point about a learning children’s well-being and future growth strongly resonates with readers emotionally.

In the author's conclusion, he states that “Air conditioning can help to a point” he provides some type of solution for the reader to know. Additionally, he adds, “Survey data from 2017 found that around half of homes in the Pacific Northwest lacked air conditioning. And about 42% of U.S. classrooms lack an air conditioner.” further supporting that heat impacts the economy as a whole. When restating that this is still a real issue, it leaves the audience with questions. How will we fix this? What does the future hold?

Altogether, the major focus of the article shines a light on extreme temperatures and their influence on society’s resources and personal wellbeing. The author constructively states each point with evidence supporting the appeals to rhetoric. He strongly cites information that reinforces his credibility, especially due to his status. The consistent information is logical and makes sense, our livelihood is at risk especially when agriculture or the workforce begins to fail. Our students need safety while having the ability to learn and grow, and so does the economy. In conclusion, the author effectively demonstrates to the audience how serious this issue is, we are all affected by rising temperatures, and together we can solve it.

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