In his remarks to the Pacific Island Conference of Leaders and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature World Conservation Congress, President Obama's purpose is to highlight the urgent need to address climate change and protect our planet's natural resources. He uses rhetoric to convey his message effectively and inspire action.
One way he does this is by using emotional language to create a sense of urgency. For example, he states, "The threat of climate change is not an abstraction. It is happening now." This language creates a visceral response in the audience, making them feel the urgency of the situation. Additionally, he appeals to their sense of responsibility by saying, "We have a responsibility to act." This appeals to the audience's sense of duty and inspires them to take action.
Furthermore, President Obama uses concrete examples to illustrate the impact of climate change on Pacific Island nations. He mentions rising sea levels and the destruction of coral reefs, which are critical to the Pacific Island's economies and way of life. This use of evidence helps to bolster his argument and make it more convincing.
Overall, President Obama's purpose in delivering this message is to inspire action on climate change and protect the natural resources of our planet. He uses rhetoric effectively to create a sense of urgency and appeal to his audience's sense of responsibility, as well as using concrete examples to support his argument.