Final answer:
Ali's persuasive speech on local food consumption primarily addresses a question of environment, highlighting benefits such as reduced energy consumption, less pollution, and improved sustainability, while also touching upon health and economics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The specific purpose for Ali's persuasive speech is to persuade the audience to eat locally produced food. Ali is speaking on a question of environment. The movement to support local food involves various arguments such as reduced energy consumption due to decreased transportation distances, less pollution, potential health benefits from eating fresher and possibly more nutritious food, and the positive impact on local economies.
Apart from the environmental aspects, eating locally can also touch upon the health and economics of food consumption. For instance, locally produced foods can contribute to a healthier diet if they are fresher and less processed, and supporting local producers can boost the local economy. Nosrat's audience, for instance, learns that food and cooking are about more than just sustaining the body; they are about culture, people, and even fostering compassion across cultural divides.