A World of Possibilities: An Examination of the Human Impact on the Earth as Portrayed in Environmentalist Rhetoric

Abstract

This paper examines environmental rhetoric that creates a stark dichotomy between “old” and “new” Earth: Earth before and after human impact. It argues that, although it is designed to spur the public to action through fear, this rhetorical presentation implicitly leaves its audience with few avenues for productive intervention. This mixed message can frustrate the public, and the presentation can therefore undermine the environmentalist aim to rally the public around its cause.