Ever since I arrived in Canada, my parents occasionally took me out to appreciate the awe-inspiring beauty of nature. I would witness the blooming flowers illuminated by the springtime sunlight and observe the graceful fish swimming in the crystal-clear river waters during fall. The astounding landscape and native inhabitants of Canada surpassed my wildest imagination.
However, as a child, I sometimes found Canadians themselves perplexing and unfamiliar. When I first stepped off the plane as an immigrant from China, a chilling sensation ran down my spine that still lingers today. It felt like waking up a dormant bear. Stepping into someone else’s ‘house,’ I was fascinated by all these new sights and experiences that were entirely foreign to me.
Nevertheless, over time, I came to realize that this ‘house’ known as Canada had transformed into my own exquisite home.
In his article titled “Canada Must Put the Planet’s Interests First,” Marc Garneau emphasizes the importance of protecting our planet for future generations. He urges Canadians to take the lead in this effort and highlights the beauty of our Earth. Those who understand the current state of our planet find Garneau’s essay compelling due to his persuasive argument, significant evidence, and emphasis on key points.
While reading Garneau’s essay, I was deeply moved by his conversational tone, which made his argument feel personal. I could sense the seriousness and importance he attached to his argument through his use of the collective first person point of view and his clear, accessible language. His employment of colloquial words like “smack” helps readers grasp his beliefs more easily, as it creates a relatable and relaxed atmosphere. This approach effectively generates sympathy among readers, as it alleviates any sense of urgency and instead fosters a casual connection (139, par. 3).
Part of persuading readers involves facilitating easy connections for them, making it quicker and simpler to understand and obtain information from the text. In my opinion, Garneau successfully achieved this in his essay, as every word flowed seamlessly and contributed to strengthening his main argument. Garneau initiates his essay by stating, “One of the consequences of going to space is that it changes the way you view our planet. It’s unavoidable. Once you see Earth from space, you can never again think of it in the same way” (138-139, par. 1). This indicates that Garneau has personally experienced being in space and, as a result, has gained a distinct perspective on Earth that differs from individuals who have never observed it from that vantage point. Right from the start, Garneau establishes that he possesses a deeper understanding of his subject compared to the reader, consistently reinforcing the indescribable beauty of Earth later in the essay with an unwavering certainty, as if it is ingrained in his knowledge.
Garneau’s work presents persuasive arguments that are applicable not only to Canada but also to other nations and their residents. Take the United States, for example – a country with significant economic power and a large population and land area. If such a vast nation can successfully transition towards sustainability, it would serve as an incredible source of inspiration for other countries to do the same, aligning with Garneau’s vision.
Recently, I stumbled upon a video online by Greg Craven that delves into the potential future of our planet and its inhabitants. Craven poses thought-provoking questions about whether our world is destined for disaster and if we, as individuals, are ready to take action.
In a brief nine minutes and thirty-three seconds, Craven presents the four potential outcomes for humanity and the Earth’s future and presents a compelling argument as to why global warming should be a current concern for humanity (Craven 8:00 – 8:11). Garneau shares a similar viewpoint to Craven, advocating for the preservation of Earth’s beauty, while Craven emphasizes the importance of the survival of all humanity. Both goals are commendable, and as Craven asserts, “The RISK of NOT acting far outweighs the risk of acting” (8:00 – 8:11). In other words, it is crucial for humanity to prepare for the worst scenario now in order to safeguard our lives and the planet Earth, which are undoubtedly invaluable.
Garneau describes our Earth as “rather small and fragile” and notes that its beauty is accompanied by fragility (139, par. 3). However, taking action now could prevent future destruction. Garneau underscores the Earth’s beauty and importance through parallelism, referring to it as a “breathtakingly beautiful planet” and a “warm and inviting oasis of life” (139, par. 5). It is vital for readers to grasp and remember this fact. The Earth serves as the sole dwelling for all its inhabitants, offering protection and necessitating immediate action despite the suffering it has endured over time.
It is essential for humanity and all living beings to show appreciation towards the planet. To repay this debt, it is crucial to take measures in preparation for a potential apocalypse, regardless of its proximity. By collectively addressing greenhouse gas emissions and practicing recycling worldwide, not exclusively limited to Canada, we can effectively mitigate global warming and ensure a sustainable future for Earth. Although Garneau believes that Canada can assume a leadership role in this endeavor, I have confidence that individuals across the globe will opt for the environmentally conscious path.
Garneau’s essay serves as a reminder of the significance of Earth for its inhabitants and emphasizes how humanity can take steps to save it. The author adopts a friendly tone in order to convince the reader, presenting a strong argument and guiding them towards essential knowledge. Referring to T.S. Eliot’s famous quote from “The Hollow Men” (“This is the way the world ends / Not with a bang but a whimper”), Garneau emphasizes that in order to prevent a catastrophic Armageddon and protect both humanity and the planet, immediate action is crucial. By following Garneau’s call to prepare for a future that is secure, we demonstrate our commitment to prioritizing the interests of the planet.
Works Cited
- Garneau, Marc, and Ronald Conrad. Canada Must Put the Planet’s Interests First. 8th ed. Toronto: McGraw-Hill Ryerson, 2006. 138-140. Print. Craven, Greg.
- “The Most Terrifying Video You’ll Ever See.” Online video clip. YouTube. YouTube, 8 Jun. 2007. Web. 20 Oct. 2013.
- Eliot, T. S.. “The Hollow Men.” Poetry X. Ed. Jough Dempsey. 13 Jul 2003. 21 Oct. 2013.
