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Fragko Tseni

Professor Julie Baker

English 1301- 280

07 April 2024

Analyzing Rhetorical Choices in "Multi-model ensemble projections of climate

change effects on global marine biodiversity"

Because of the pressing need to address how climate change is affecting

biodiversity worldwide, academics are doing thorough study to evaluate probable

outcomes and future possibilities. One such study, "Multi-model ensemble projections

of climate change effects on global marine biodiversity" by Jones and Cheung,

explores the projected impacts of climate change on marine biodiversity using multi-

model ensemble projections, that is why critical analysis of the rhetorical choices

employed by the authors in persuading readers to accept their conclusions regarding

the future trajectory of marine biodiversity under climate change is needed. After that,

readers can better understand the writers' persuasive strategies and how they influence

attitudes and action on this urgent environmental issue by analyzing how they employ

ethos, pathos, logos, and language. By dissecting the authors' rhetorical choices,

readers can gain valuable insight into the efficacy of different persuasive techniques

employed in scholarly discourse, ultimately contributing to a more nuanced

understanding of climate change's impact on global marine biodiversity and the

urgency of addressing this critical issue. Readers can discover the subtleties of how

authors construct their arguments, arouse feelings, and offer proof by probing into

their rhetorical decisions. In "Multi-model ensemble projections of climate change

effects on global marine biodiversity," Jones and Cheung employ a combination of

ethos, pathos, logos, and language to effectively persuade readers to recognize the
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urgency of addressing the impacts of climate change on marine biodiversity. Through

a critical analysis of these rhetorical choices, this essay will demonstrate how the

authors' strategic use of credibility, emotional appeal, logical reasoning, and

accessible language enhances the persuasiveness of their argument and influences

readers' attitudes and actions towards this pressing environmental issue.

Multi-model ensemble projections involve combining the outputs of multiple

climate models to generate a more comprehensive and robust assessment of future

climate scenarios. Specifically, these projections allow researchers to account for

uncertainties inherent in individual models and provide a more nuanced understanding

of the potential impacts of climate change on marine biodiversity. By aggregating the

results of various models, Jones and Cheung aim to capture a broader range of

possible outcomes and improve the reliability of their projections. Additionally, the

study's methodology involves rigorous analysis of climate data, statistical methods,

and ecological modeling techniques to assess the potential effects of climate change

on marine ecosystems. By providing readers with a brief overview of the study's

methodology, including the use of multi-model ensemble projections, Jones and

Cheung offer clarity on the approach taken in their research and enhance the readers'

understanding of the study's findings and implications.

Jones and Cheung's meticulous referencing of diverse peer-reviewed studies

and reports serves to establish their credibility (ethos) effectively. For instance, by

citing authoritative sources such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

(IPCC) and top scientific journals, they demonstrate their competence and expertise

on the subject matter. This careful citation not only enhances the authors' credibility

but also reinforces the legitimacy and dependability of their argument. By firmly

grounding their claims in previously published research, they show readers that their
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assertions are backed by solid evidence and expert consensus. For example,

referencing the IPCC lends weight to their argument by highlighting the extensive

scientific consensus on climate change and its impacts. This thorough referencing not

only elevates the authors' stature but also underscores the urgency of the problem at

hand. By showcasing the depth of scholarly agreement on the subject, the authors

effectively convey the seriousness of climate change's impact on marine biodiversity.

Consequently, readers are more likely to accept the authors' conclusions regarding the

projected impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems due to the established

ethos.

Jones and Cheung effectively utilize emotional appeals (pathos) in their study

on climate change impacts to evoke empathy and concern in readers. Through vivid

descriptions of potential biodiversity loss, the authors paint a poignant picture of the

devastating effects of climate change on marine ecosystems. For instance, they

describe the coral reef bleaching caused by rising sea temperatures, highlighting the

resulting habitat loss and the potential extinction of iconic sea creatures. By

immersing readers in these vivid narratives, Jones and Cheung elicit emotional

responses that resonate deeply with readers, compelling them to confront the urgency

of the environmental crisis. The authors' emotional portrayal of the real effects of

climate change on marine ecosystems serves to distress readers and emphasize the

imperative of taking action to mitigate its effects. By depicting the tangible

consequences of climate change through storytelling, Jones and Cheung make the

issue more relatable and immediate for readers, fostering a sense of personal

connection and motivating them to advocate for conservation efforts and

environmental stewardship.
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The authors present compelling logical arguments(logos) supported by multi-

model ensemble projections. Through rigorous analysis of climate models and

statistical methods, Jones and Cheung provide robust evidence to support their

projections of future marine biodiversity under different climate change

scenarios. They also improve the logical consistency of their argument and the

persuasiveness of their findings by firmly establishing the validity of their claims

through scientific investigation, by methodically analyzing the results of several

climate models, the authors allow for a thorough assessment of the uncertainty and

variability in predicted outcomes. This analytical technique not only raises the study's

credibility but also offers insightful information about the possible range of

biodiversity outcomes in the future under various climatic scenarios. The authors

make the effects of climate change more relatable to readers by sharing stories of

coral reef bleaching and the subsequent devastation of marine habitats. In addition, by

intertwining scientific rigor with real-world examples, Jones and Cheung effectively

bridge the gap between abstract climate projections and tangible ecological impacts,

making the consequences of climate change more palpable and urgent for readers.

Jones and Cheung use clear and accessible language (language) to

communicate complex scientific concepts to a wide audience by making

communication easier. While the article contains technical terminology specific to the

field of marine science, the authors provide explanations and context to ensure

understanding by readers with different levels of expertise, this language choice

effectively reaches a wider audience improving the article's accessibility and

encouraging engagement with the subject of matter, thus attracting each kind of

reader. By adopting clear and concise language, the authors increase the accessibility

and understanding of study findings for stakeholders, decision makers, and the
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general public. This inclusive method of communication enhances the impact of the

article by highlighting the importance of clear communication of scientific facts in

shaping public opinion and decision-making, including the whole of society.

In "Ensemble Multi-Model Projections of Climate Change Impacts on Global

Marine Biodiversity," Jones and Cheung deftly use a combination of rhetorical

strategies to persuade readers to recognize the seriousness of the issue and the urgent

need to address the impacts of climate change on marine biodiversity. By using ethos,

pathos, logos, and accessible language writers successfully captivate readers and

convey the seriousness of the problem and grasp the text. Through critical analysis of

the authors' rhetorical choices, readers develop a deeper understanding of persuasive

strategies in scientific discourse and their influence on attitudes and actions toward

pressing environmental issues. As readers reflect on the power of effective

communication in shaping social perspectives and driving positive change, they are

reminded of our collective responsibility and take action to protect the planet's future

for generations to come.

Works Cited
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Jones, Miranda C. and Cheung, William W. L. “Multi-Model Ensemble Projections Of

Climate Change Effects On Global Marine Biodiversity.” ICES Journal Of

Marine Science, March 2015,

https://tamiu.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01TAMIU_INST/1uu8ptt/

cdi_unpaywall_primary_10_1093_icesjms_fsu172.