Rhetorical Strategies in Climate Change Speech

In the following excerpt from a speech given at a climate change summit, the speaker uses various rhetorical strategies to persuade the audience of the urgency of facing environmental issues. Read the excerpt carefully and analyze how the speaker employs rhetorical devices such as ethos, pathos, and logos to enhance the effectiveness of the message. Be sure to use specific textual evidence to support your analysis.

Excerpt: "We stand at a crossroads in our environment. The scientific consensus is clear, and yet, our legislative action remains stalled. I ask you, how many more natural disasters must occur before we acknowledge the gravity of our situation? The plight of vulnerable populations across the globe should not only weigh on our conscience but inspire us to act urgently. It is not merely about preserving our planet; it is about protecting lives and futures—our common humanity that is at stake. Will we allow future generations to suffer the consequences of our inaction, or will we choose to be the heroes of our time?"