William Peacock
Opinion Piece 3

https://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/sustainable-development-climate-change-africa-support-by-moha-ennaji-2017-02

1. Throughout this piece it is clear that the author is coming from the perspective that we need to take great steps in slowing down climate change, before it is too late. He lists examples of how countries who aren’t even considered “developed” are doing better/moving faster in some ways then countries like the U.S. is. Not to mention the fact that we now have a President who has appointed someone to the head of the EPA is borderline doesn’t believe in climate change. It will certainly be a interesting next few years for our country, and the planet’s resources as a whole. 

2. There are definitely claims made about what other countries are doing around the world to combat climate change, and he also used information to back it up. For example he says, “Notwithstanding Trump’s reluctance, many countries seem to recognize the imperative to act. Participants in the Africa Action Summit, held on the sidelines of the Marrakesh conference, offered their own commitment to build an Africa that is resilient to climate change and able to advance sustainable development.” This shows that countries that we as the United States have historically exploited and claimed to be more civilized then, is making the change now that could save us all instead of waiting until it is too late.

3. In terms of a lead that starts with a bang, that isn’t the type of method the author tried to go with. Instead he uses facts, data, information throughout to back up his point all while at least mentioning the other sides of the arguments. His closing is the most powerful I think, because he turns the attention to the future and the idea that if governments act we still could make a change in time; but it must start with the people, because if the people don’t put pressure on their leaders then no change will come. 

4. I would say this isn’t the sort of piece that exactly draws people in with a flashy style of writing, it is just full of information that verifies his point. He talks about Trump and politics which is always a hotbed these days, and he may have been able to draw some readers in that way, but for the most part this was directly directed towards a science based audience. 

5. The target audience could be mostly directed towards the more educated, science-based community, however what some people forget to realize is most of the time the people impacted most by climate change are the poor. Unable to go anywhere else, they are forced to endure environmental conditions that those in a higher social standing wouldn’t stand for. “With this in mind, the declaration demands greater efforts to eradicate poverty, ensure food security, and meet the agriculture challenges posed by climate change. And it calls for greater support for climate projects, including through capacity building and technology transfer from developed to developing countries.” This quote restates the idea that we are all in this together, and we cannot leave anyone behind. 

6. It is clear that the author wanted to go step by step in showing the massive impact that climate change can have, and that more importantly even though we may not all feel it now, we will soon enough. Developed countries started the problem, while the undeveloped countries are the ones who will feel it the soonest and the worst. The author wanted to make it very clear that it is no longer an option to stand by and hope that change comes, we must do it ourselves.