Category: Environmental Pollution

Rhetoric and the art of persuasion are generally associated with spoken language and oratory. However, a visual image can also make a convincing point, and this is particularly applicable to social and environmental advertising. Its efficiency largely depends on the performance of all possible persuasive means, which Aristotle previously divided into logos, pathos, and ethos (Vu 31). Researchers note that visual rhetoric uses special techniques to build arguments such as color, lighting, and expression, and the image language can rapidly convey a persuasive advertising point (Vu 31).

Organizations such as Greenpeace and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) often use visual rhetoric to draw public attention to specific environmental issues. This paper analyzes the WWF’s environmental advertisement on marine and ocean pollution (WWF). Its visual argument is that plastic contamination is extremely dangerous for marine creatures, and it uses all three types of information to make a convincing point – logos, pathos, and ethos.

Logos

This category of information includes argumentative reasoning that is designed predominantly through logical, verbal means. According to Vu, “logos shows the organization of the arguments that lead the listener to conclusions that benefit the discourse” (31). In this case, the logos contains the text depicted in the advertisement. Below is the title of the advertisement and the body text, which contains the chain of reasoning and statistical data.

Each year, plastic pollution kills more than 100.000 marine creatures.

Plastic litter from all over the earth ends up in the ocean, gets caught up in ocean currents and has created a giant swirling mass of 7 million tons of toxic debris dubbed the “Great Pacific Garbage Patch.” The waters in this immense area contains 6 times more plastic than plankton, a primary food source for fish, marine mammals and ultimately affecting humans as well.

The primary purpose of this advertisement is to draw the attention of viewers to the problem of marine plastic pollution and to encourage them to be more conscious about waste management. The primary evidence presented in the image is the statistical data, which are expressed in the figures given. The WWF points out the number of marine animals suffering annually, the amount of marine debris, and its proportion to the food of fish and marine mammals. In addition, it presents the phenomenon of the “Great Pacific Garbage Patch.” These data are provided to highlight the global nature of the contamination and are more focused on explaining its consequences.

It should be specially noticed that the body text describes the circulation of plastic waste. In this way, an advertisement explains the causal link between marine pollution and the harm to animals and humans. This is the primary reasoning content of the logos of this visual argument. It provides the viewer with an insight into the logic of events that lead to adverse environmental effects for both fauna and humanity.

Pathos

This element of rhetoric is the most expressed for visual items. Researchers state that the “pathos is the emotionally responsible nature of speech, with regard to the ways in which the listener is attentive, impressed, and thereby increases the convincing effect” (Vu 31). The image depicts a shoreline and a huge plastic bottle, which, as one can guess, is replacing a whale. People in the image water the bottle, as is usually done when the whales are lying on the shore.

This image is designed to evoke contradictory emotions in the viewer. It can be realized that the plastic bottle is replacing a sea creature, which symbolizes the fact of mass contamination. The people in the image are trying to save a piece of plastic, which makes no sense. Connection with the viewer is due to the fanciful unnaturalness of the image, which attracts attention. A special effect is produced by associating this image with the text.

It states that in some oceanic regions, there are six times more plastics than plankton, which is the primary food source for some marine animals. Thus, plastic as if replacing the marine fauna, which should have an impact on the viewer. It should be noted that the text is written in a formal language, and the image has a pronounced emotional emphasis. This contrast is also covered by the pathos of this advertising.

Ethos

This element of rhetorical content is related to the source authority and the standpoint of the argument author, which is designed to find a response from listeners or viewers. According to Vu, the visual elements should imply “that the information in the advertisements is from reputable sources, reliable, and of high quality” (31). This advertisement includes two pathos elements – the logo and the name of the organization that is the author and the source site in the lower right corner of the image. These graphic items indicate that the advertisement was created as part of the WWF’s campaign to protect nature.

The WWF is a well-known international organization with a strong reputation, and its logo depicting a panda is easily recognizable. The data provided in the text is beyond doubt since the collection and analysis of information related to environmental issues is one of the main activities of the organization. Thus, the statistics and other information that make the persuasive point appear to be trustworthy to the viewer.

Conclusion

This advertisement uses all three categories of rhetorical content to convince the viewer of the relevance and magnitude of the plastic pollution issue. The text and its logical clarifications and statistics refer to the logos, the image to pathos, and the WWF logo and the source site to the ethos. It should be concluded that together they constitute a very convincing argument that can effectively persuade the target audience of the severity of the problem.

Our environment is made of living things and things not alive. The life of these species includes livestock and other microorganisms; the environment’s unlived components are food, water, dirt, sunshine, etc. Any time a relatively long toxin is introduced to our environment, it contributes to environmental contamination. Air, water, soil, noise, light and nuclear pollution are some of the main types of pollution.

The air pollution is caused by emissions from factories, building chimneys, cars and oils. Wasted industrial solvents, plastics, and other waste, sewage, etc., are polluting the water. The significant causes of soil pollution are the use of pesticides and deforestation. The needless car honking, the use of loudspeakers add to noise pollution.

Though the light and nuclear pollutions are hard to realize, these are equally harmful. Exceedingly flashing lights consume a significant amount of energy while in several ways endangering the ecological environment. These constituents are interconnected. When nature’s process continues, the toxicity of one product is also passed on to the other components. There are different aspects in which chemical waste tends to circulate. With an explanation below we should appreciate that.

When it rains, the impurities in air in the water-bodies and soil slowly disappear. When cultivated in the fields, these harmful toxicants are absorbed by their roots through contaminated soil and water. Both animals and humans ingest the same food. In this way, when the carnivores consume the herbivores, it reaches the top of the food chain.

The effects of Pollution on the environment can be seen in the form of severe health conditions. Many people have respiratory disorders, weak immunity, cancers of the kidneys and lungs, tumours and chronic diseases. The marine biodiversity is increasingly depleting, including both flora and fauna. Soil quality and crop quality are worsening.

As a result of the environmental pollution that the world needs to cope with, global warming, which had become a significant problem, in Antarctica the melting icebergs culminated in rising sea levels. The hazards caused by rising carbon pollution can contribute to natural disturbance, including regular earthquakes, cyclones, etc. The Hiroshima-Nagasaki and Chernobyl incidents in Russia have caused humanity to irreparable harm.

In response to these disasters, the different countries in the world are taking every possible action. More awareness-raising programs are organized to educate people about the dangers of pollution and the need to protect our planet. Greener lifestyles have become popular; the following are to mention just some: energy-efficient lights, new climate sustainable cars, the use of wind and solar power.

Governments are now highlighting the need to plant more trees, reduce plastic items, enhance natural waste recovery and reduce the use of pesticides. This ecological lifestyle has allowed humanity to shield other animals from extinction and to make Earth an ecosystem that’s greener and safer.

Introduction

The past two centuries have been characterized by vast technological advances that have had a significant effect on man and his environment. One of these advances has been in the form of increased industrialization by man.

Industrialization has resulted in detrimental practices such as deforestation, air and water pollution which have all threatened the fragile balance that exists between man and the environment. The consequences that have risen as a result of neglecting to take care of the environment have now become a reality to the whole of mankind.

This has forced environmental issues to take a center stage in man’s life as nations have come together and put a valuable effort to restore, maintain and manage their respective eco systems. This paper shall present a concise yet informative research on the issue of environmental pollution. A definition of pollution shall be offered as well as a discussion on the major causes of pollution. Possible solutions to this problem shall be reviewed and the most suitable solutions offered.

What is Pollution?

The United Nations Environmental Programme defines pollution as the “undesirable state of the natural environment being contaminated with harmful substances as a consequence of human activities”. Pollution of the environment can occur naturally but it is man-made pollution that is mostly degenerative in nature. Pollution occurs in the air, soil and water as a result of substances which are harmful being released into them.

Causes of pollution

Waste disposal has been noted to be one of the main means by which water bodies are polluted. Most human beings have a tendency of throwing their rubbish and dirt into the water bodies and drainage systems assuming that they will be drained away to a better place. This results in the creation of rubbish hills which are not only an eye sore but they also pollute the air and the soil.

Fishermen and other members of the shipping industry pollute the waters by disposing cargo waste, plastic as well as noise emanating from their ships and machineries. The presence of such pollutants has serious impacts on the environment since some of the disposed substances are toxic.

Nuclear power has been exploited to provide power for running industries and cities. However, this power plants results in the production of radioactive waste which must be disposed off. If not properly disposed, radioactive waste can pollute the soil or water bodies if it is allowed to seep into the water table or into an ocean (Harrison 45). This form of waste is not only harmful to human beings but also to other animals, fishes and marine life. In a water body that is contaminated, the radioactive substances affect the fish and kills them leading to the decreased amounts of fish in the water body.

Another source of soil pollution is the excessive chemicals that are used in the agricultural sector, and homes. Mooney et al demonstrates that the weed killers used by individuals to tend to their gardens end up contaminating the soil (23). However this pollution does not end here for the contaminants often drain into the ground where they contaminate the underground waters. While this type of pollution is not visible, it still presents a serious threat to life resources. This pollution also extends to rivers in which the underground waters drain into.

Air pollution is mostly caused by the burning of fossil fuels which results in the emission of green house gases. Fossil fuels are needed to run most industries and for this reason, Harrison claims that rapid population growth which led to increased industrialization, globalization and the need for more room for expansion is to blame for most of the pollution cases (23). Air pollution by green house gasses is especially troublesome since it has been seen to cause global warming.

These gas emissions also lead to atmospheric pollution which in turn contributes to acid rain. This type of pollution is wide spread and very problematic because if it is not stopped at the source, the chain reaction that follows cannot be prevented or stopped. The acid rain pours into soil making them acidic and therefore nonproductive and into oceans contaminating the water therein.

Solutions to pollution problems

The government has continued to play a significant role in reduction of pollution levels by adopting various strategies aimed at reducing pollution. A significant policy is that of Tax rebates which is offered to all industries that adopt eco friendly practices. This move by the government will reduce industrial emissions into the air as well as the level of toxic wastes that get into our water bodies by a wide margin since industrial fumes are some of the biggest causes of air pollution (UNEP).

In addition to this, all industries should be encouraged by law to plant trees which acts as carbon sinks thus reducing pollution levels. An increase in taxation on vehicles that are “gas guzzlers” can also aid in the battle to reduce green house gases emissions. In so doing, the adverse effects that air and water pollution by the industries have on our environment will greatly be reduced.

Over the years, it has been suggested that new architectural designs can help retard global warming. As such, the government must enforce the set laws which stipulate that new industrial, commercial and residential houses should be built using materials compliant with the new environmental laws.

More effective and efficient water and waste treatment methods have also been developed and it is a prerequisite to have them installed before starting up any industry. Citizens are also encouraged to use the 3R’s (reduce, reuse, recycle) model as part of their contribution towards a greener State.

Individuals can do a lot on their own to reduce the carbon footprint. Throughout the world, the level of electricity consumption is increasing every day (UNEP). It is therefore important that they adjust their lifestyle if they are to meet the stipulated limits. This can be done by switching to less energy consuming light bulbs, using public means of transport as compared to personal vehicles, switching back to fans rather than using air conditioners, using LCD and plasma screens instead of tube televisions.

To curb water pollution, dish washers can be employed instead of hand washing thereby reducing water wastage. Using the shower instead of the bath tub has been known to reduce Co2 emissions. In so doing, the level of pollution will have reduced significantly and the effects of these pollutants on our environment minimized.

The industrial sector is notable the chief polluter in almost all countries. As such, any change in this sector no matter how small can spell a big difference to the overall reduction of carbon emission. Shifting to more eco friendly equipments that use less fuel is one of the notable ways in which industries can make a difference.

Industries that employ the use of boilers should install smoke density meters which check on the levels of smoke emitted into the air thereby creating a means through which these harmful emissions can be regulated (Mooney et al 89). Implementation of a decentralization program can also help greatly reduce both vehicular and industrial pollution. This is because decentralization calls for the spreading out of industries as opposed to having them concentrated in one area.

Most suitable Solution

Knowledge based solutions are so far the best technique to tackle the problems of pollution that continue to affect our world. This is because an informed society is likely to understand the consequences of its actions and as such use this knowledge to solve its challenges that it faces daily.

As such, individuals must raise their level of interest in environmental issues to a level that is higher than it stands today. The reality is that few people know about some forms of pollution let alone their negative effect on our lives and the earth. If people were enlightened, it is likely that they would avoid activities that further pollution such as use of chemicals. Education and awareness therefore are the best ways to ensure that the environment is secured for future generations.

Conclusion

This paper set out to provide an informative research on pollution, its major causes and solutions that can be utilized to ensure a reduction in pollution. To this end, this paper has outlined the major forms of pollution. The paper has then proceeded to discuss the major ways in which pollution occurs.

It has been noted that most of the toxic wastes that invade our environment are human-made. The paper has also revealed that while there is no single solution to dealing with the problem of pollution, there are a number of actions which can be taken to mitigate pollution. If implemented, these changes no matter how little will at the end make a vast difference in the lives of many people as well as the ecological balance that supports such existence.

Summary

In this chapter, the authors examine the impact of industrial activities on the environment. In the beginning, they discuss how the American landscape was transformed by sawmills, ironworks, or foundries (Steiner & Steiner, 2012, p. 436). Furthermore, they discuss various threats that arise from the activities of many companies. For instance, one can speak about the dangers related to the chemical industry. Much attention should be paid to different forms of cancer and other diseases that adversely affect the health of many people. Additionally, scholars focus on the changing practices of many companies that are pressured to become more sustainable. For instance, they have to adopt cleaner technologies.

Furthermore, this chapter can throw light on the important ideas that shaped environmental protection laws. It is possible to refer to the views of Arne Naess who argues that nature should not be viewed only as a source of economic growth because it has an “intrinsic value that must not be compromised” (Steiner & Steiner, 2012, p. 446). To some degree, these ideas contributed to the change in public opinion as well as legislation.

Much attention should be paid to the work of the Environmental Protection Agency or EPA that regulates the work of many companies. This organization strives to minimize the pollution of air, water, and soil. Additionally, this agency can identify a list of chemicals that cannot be used by enterprises. For example, one can mention creosote (Steiner & Steiner, 2012, p. 462).

This chapter shows that environmental regulations should be not be overlooked by manufacturing companies because they can be forced to pay heavy fines if their activities detrimentally affect the environment. These are the main details that should be considered.

Reflection

The issues discussed by the authors can be familiar to many readers since nowadays many researchers and journalists pay attention to various environmental risks. Yet, this chapter can give people a better idea about many issues that are important for modern businesses. For instance, the scholars examine the functioning of the EPA and the regulations that it introduces. This knowledge is important because entrepreneurs should be able to avoid legal problems that can emerge due to the violations of norms set by the EPA. For instance, one can mention the use of prohibited chemicals.

This is one of the points that can be made. One should keep in mind that environmental regulation is the largest area of regulation in the United States (& Steiner, 2012, p. 463). Therefore, managers should know how to safeguard a company against various risks related to environmental pollution. This is one of the details that should be taken into account.

Furthermore, the issues discussed by the authors should be considered by business administrators working in international companies. They need to remember international legislation that is aimed at protecting the environment. In particular, one can refer to the Kyoto Protocol which limits the emission of carbon dioxide (Steiner & Steiner, 2012). Therefore, these professionals should make sure that the operations of their businesses are consistent with various environmental codes.

Additionally, this chapter shows that companies should strive to adopt cleaner technologies because in this way, they can better adjust to the changes in environmental legislation. The problem is that many technological processes that pose a risk to the environment can be eventually made illegal. In turn, by focusing on environmental sustainability, businesses can become more resilient. These are the main lessons that can be drawn from this chapter.

Introduction

The past two centuries have been characterized by vast technological advances that have had a significant effect on man and his environment. One of these advances has been in the form of increased industrialization by man.

Industrialization has resulted in detrimental practices such as deforestation, air and water pollution which have all threatened the fragile balance that exists between man and the environment. The consequences that have risen as a result of neglecting to take care of the environment have now become a reality to the whole of mankind.

This has forced environmental issues to take a center stage in man’s life as nations have come together and put a valuable effort to restore, maintain and manage their respective eco systems. This paper shall present a concise yet informative research on the issue of environmental pollution. A definition of pollution shall be offered as well as a discussion on the major causes of pollution. Possible solutions to this problem shall be reviewed and the most suitable solutions offered.

What is Pollution?

The United Nations Environmental Programme defines pollution as the “undesirable state of the natural environment being contaminated with harmful substances as a consequence of human activities”. Pollution of the environment can occur naturally but it is man-made pollution that is mostly degenerative in nature. Pollution occurs in the air, soil and water as a result of substances which are harmful being released into them.

Causes of pollution

Waste disposal has been noted to be one of the main means by which water bodies are polluted. Most human beings have a tendency of throwing their rubbish and dirt into the water bodies and drainage systems assuming that they will be drained away to a better place. This results in the creation of rubbish hills which are not only an eye sore but they also pollute the air and the soil.

Fishermen and other members of the shipping industry pollute the waters by disposing cargo waste, plastic as well as noise emanating from their ships and machineries. The presence of such pollutants has serious impacts on the environment since some of the disposed substances are toxic.

Nuclear power has been exploited to provide power for running industries and cities. However, this power plants results in the production of radioactive waste which must be disposed off. If not properly disposed, radioactive waste can pollute the soil or water bodies if it is allowed to seep into the water table or into an ocean (Harrison 45). This form of waste is not only harmful to human beings but also to other animals, fishes and marine life. In a water body that is contaminated, the radioactive substances affect the fish and kills them leading to the decreased amounts of fish in the water body.

Another source of soil pollution is the excessive chemicals that are used in the agricultural sector, and homes. Mooney et al demonstrates that the weed killers used by individuals to tend to their gardens end up contaminating the soil (23). However this pollution does not end here for the contaminants often drain into the ground where they contaminate the underground waters. While this type of pollution is not visible, it still presents a serious threat to life resources. This pollution also extends to rivers in which the underground waters drain into.

Air pollution is mostly caused by the burning of fossil fuels which results in the emission of green house gases. Fossil fuels are needed to run most industries and for this reason, Harrison claims that rapid population growth which led to increased industrialization, globalization and the need for more room for expansion is to blame for most of the pollution cases (23). Air pollution by green house gasses is especially troublesome since it has been seen to cause global warming.

These gas emissions also lead to atmospheric pollution which in turn contributes to acid rain. This type of pollution is wide spread and very problematic because if it is not stopped at the source, the chain reaction that follows cannot be prevented or stopped. The acid rain pours into soil making them acidic and therefore nonproductive and into oceans contaminating the water therein.

Solutions to pollution problems

The government has continued to play a significant role in reduction of pollution levels by adopting various strategies aimed at reducing pollution. A significant policy is that of Tax rebates which is offered to all industries that adopt eco friendly practices. This move by the government will reduce industrial emissions into the air as well as the level of toxic wastes that get into our water bodies by a wide margin since industrial fumes are some of the biggest causes of air pollution (UNEP).

In addition to this, all industries should be encouraged by law to plant trees which acts as carbon sinks thus reducing pollution levels. An increase in taxation on vehicles that are “gas guzzlers” can also aid in the battle to reduce green house gases emissions. In so doing, the adverse effects that air and water pollution by the industries have on our environment will greatly be reduced.

Over the years, it has been suggested that new architectural designs can help retard global warming. As such, the government must enforce the set laws which stipulate that new industrial, commercial and residential houses should be built using materials compliant with the new environmental laws.

More effective and efficient water and waste treatment methods have also been developed and it is a prerequisite to have them installed before starting up any industry. Citizens are also encouraged to use the 3R’s (reduce, reuse, recycle) model as part of their contribution towards a greener State.

Individuals can do a lot on their own to reduce the carbon footprint. Throughout the world, the level of electricity consumption is increasing every day (UNEP). It is therefore important that they adjust their lifestyle if they are to meet the stipulated limits. This can be done by switching to less energy consuming light bulbs, using public means of transport as compared to personal vehicles, switching back to fans rather than using air conditioners, using LCD and plasma screens instead of tube televisions.

To curb water pollution, dish washers can be employed instead of hand washing thereby reducing water wastage. Using the shower instead of the bath tub has been known to reduce Co2 emissions. In so doing, the level of pollution will have reduced significantly and the effects of these pollutants on our environment minimized.

The industrial sector is notable the chief polluter in almost all countries. As such, any change in this sector no matter how small can spell a big difference to the overall reduction of carbon emission. Shifting to more eco friendly equipments that use less fuel is one of the notable ways in which industries can make a difference.

Industries that employ the use of boilers should install smoke density meters which check on the levels of smoke emitted into the air thereby creating a means through which these harmful emissions can be regulated (Mooney et al 89). Implementation of a decentralization program can also help greatly reduce both vehicular and industrial pollution. This is because decentralization calls for the spreading out of industries as opposed to having them concentrated in one area.

Most suitable Solution

Knowledge based solutions are so far the best technique to tackle the problems of pollution that continue to affect our world. This is because an informed society is likely to understand the consequences of its actions and as such use this knowledge to solve its challenges that it faces daily.

As such, individuals must raise their level of interest in environmental issues to a level that is higher than it stands today. The reality is that few people know about some forms of pollution let alone their negative effect on our lives and the earth. If people were enlightened, it is likely that they would avoid activities that further pollution such as use of chemicals. Education and awareness therefore are the best ways to ensure that the environment is secured for future generations.

Conclusion

This paper set out to provide an informative research on pollution, its major causes and solutions that can be utilized to ensure a reduction in pollution. To this end, this paper has outlined the major forms of pollution. The paper has then proceeded to discuss the major ways in which pollution occurs.

It has been noted that most of the toxic wastes that invade our environment are human-made. The paper has also revealed that while there is no single solution to dealing with the problem of pollution, there are a number of actions which can be taken to mitigate pollution. If implemented, these changes no matter how little will at the end make a vast difference in the lives of many people as well as the ecological balance that supports such existence.

Summary

In this chapter, the authors examine the impact of industrial activities on the environment. In the beginning, they discuss how the American landscape was transformed by sawmills, ironworks, or foundries (Steiner & Steiner, 2012, p. 436). Furthermore, they discuss various threats that arise from the activities of many companies. For instance, one can speak about the dangers related to the chemical industry. Much attention should be paid to different forms of cancer and other diseases that adversely affect the health of many people. Additionally, scholars focus on the changing practices of many companies that are pressured to become more sustainable. For instance, they have to adopt cleaner technologies.

Furthermore, this chapter can throw light on the important ideas that shaped environmental protection laws. It is possible to refer to the views of Arne Naess who argues that nature should not be viewed only as a source of economic growth because it has an “intrinsic value that must not be compromised” (Steiner & Steiner, 2012, p. 446). To some degree, these ideas contributed to the change in public opinion as well as legislation.

Much attention should be paid to the work of the Environmental Protection Agency or EPA that regulates the work of many companies. This organization strives to minimize the pollution of air, water, and soil. Additionally, this agency can identify a list of chemicals that cannot be used by enterprises. For example, one can mention creosote (Steiner & Steiner, 2012, p. 462).

This chapter shows that environmental regulations should be not be overlooked by manufacturing companies because they can be forced to pay heavy fines if their activities detrimentally affect the environment. These are the main details that should be considered.

Reflection

The issues discussed by the authors can be familiar to many readers since nowadays many researchers and journalists pay attention to various environmental risks. Yet, this chapter can give people a better idea about many issues that are important for modern businesses. For instance, the scholars examine the functioning of the EPA and the regulations that it introduces. This knowledge is important because entrepreneurs should be able to avoid legal problems that can emerge due to the violations of norms set by the EPA. For instance, one can mention the use of prohibited chemicals.

This is one of the points that can be made. One should keep in mind that environmental regulation is the largest area of regulation in the United States (& Steiner, 2012, p. 463). Therefore, managers should know how to safeguard a company against various risks related to environmental pollution. This is one of the details that should be taken into account.

Furthermore, the issues discussed by the authors should be considered by business administrators working in international companies. They need to remember international legislation that is aimed at protecting the environment. In particular, one can refer to the Kyoto Protocol which limits the emission of carbon dioxide (Steiner & Steiner, 2012). Therefore, these professionals should make sure that the operations of their businesses are consistent with various environmental codes.

Additionally, this chapter shows that companies should strive to adopt cleaner technologies because in this way, they can better adjust to the changes in environmental legislation. The problem is that many technological processes that pose a risk to the environment can be eventually made illegal. In turn, by focusing on environmental sustainability, businesses can become more resilient. These are the main lessons that can be drawn from this chapter.