The Risks of Dam Construction

For hundreds of years dams have been used one as a critical tool for local communities. They have provided people with control over a powerful resource that has provided a water source and power source, as well as a place for recreation and food supply. However, just recently the negative environmental impact of dams has started to become apparent. As the ecological impacts are becoming more researched and understood, many are realizing that the significant ecological impacts that dams have on the surrounding areas outweigh the benefits they may provide. Dams are a serious detriment to the ecosystem of the river, the surrounding environment, water quality, and air quality. Because of these drawbacks, the federal government should ban the construction of dams within the United States unless measures are taken to reduce the risks of dam construction.

As of 1996, it was estimated that there are about 42,000 large dams worldwide containing nearly 10,000 km³, five times the volume of water contained in all rivers worldwide (Rosenberg). Furthermore, a study by the World Wildlife Foundation found that of the world's 227 largest rivers, more than 60% have been rerouted or fragmented by the creation of dams (WWF). One of the reasons dams are built is for water storage for use by local communities, especially when it can be used for irrigation (Rosenberg). Dam construction also helps control the flow of the river, avoiding situations such as floods and droughts that are naturally occurring (Rosenberg). This also gives humans control over a limited research and allows them the freedom to decide where and how the river flows. Despite the many benefits of dams, possibly the most critical is that many dams provide a source of energy to communities. Dams are a great source of hydroelectric power, providing a green option for many communities (Rosenberg). Despite the benefits that dams provide, recently the environmental impact of dams has become a topic of discussion.

The construction of dams can have a serious and irreversible effect on the ecosystem of the river. First, the building of a dam disrupts the migration patterns of the species that inhabit it because it creates a barrier between species upstream and downstream. This barrier keeps species from traveling along the river, and also causes inbreeding among the species which can hurt its chance of survival (McCully 2001). Clearly, the barrier created by a dam also reduces the number of species that are able to survive in the riverbed which can upset the entire local ecosystem (McCully 2001). Second, a dam can disrupt the migration patterns of other species who used to travel across the river (McCully 2001). The building of dams also leads to the loss of aquatic biodiversity, including fisheries, floodplains, wetlands, and adjacent ecosystems (World Commission).

Another way that dams impact the ecosystem of a river is that creating a reservoir impacts the water temperature of a riverbed. The creation of a much larger surface area usually causes the temperature of the reservoir to increase. This increase in water temperature may allow some species to survive better; however, they will not be natural to the local ecosystem and species that have become inherent to the area may not be able to survive (McCully 2001). This increase can also impact the vegetation that is able to survive in the reservoir (McCully 2001).

While the creation of dams presumably has an impact on the river's ecosystem, it can have a significant impact on the delicate ecosystem that surrounds a riverbed as well. The ecosystem that surrounds a river is one of the most diverse natural ecosystems, and the flooding of riverbeds destroy these ecosystems (McCully 2001). Furthermore, one of the reasons many dams are built is to manage water levels, especially to stop flooding. Although this may seem like an advantage, the lack of natural flooding can quickly upset the surrounding area. Much of the surrounding area may be dependent on the natural flooding to survive, and the loss of this flooding can have a negative impact on local vegetation and growth even threatening their survival (McCully 2001). Furthermore, the creation of dams in forested areas often leads to a serious deforestation not only of the immediate riverbed, but for much of the surrounding area. Forest area is lost with the initial creation of the reservoir, but as new farming areas are created and access to remote locations becomes available trees are removed to build roads, houses, and farmland (McCully 2001).

Dams also affect both the sedimentation and the water quality of a riverbed. The creation of dams causes erosion down river because sediment is not being carried from up river. This is detrimental to the upper and lower riverbed and can also affect the water quality for both the reservoir and the river. The lack of water flow through the riverbed means that it fails its normal process of removing both natural pollutants and outside sources of pollution from the water (Rosenberg). Furthermore, over time sedimentation builds up behind the dam, causing it to shallow; this eventually causes its effectiveness as a power source to decrease.

Dam construction can also cause an increase in the production of greenhouse gases which are detrimental to the environment. The normal process of greenhouse gas (such as CO2) creation and use by the natural ecosystem is disrupted. This can lead to the production and release of large amounts of greenhouse gases, which contributes to the risk of global warming (Rosenberg). Furthermore, the rotting of vegetation due to the creation of reservoirs gives off a much higher amount of greenhouse gases than is released by natural bodies of water (World Commission).

With every man-made construction there are both benefits and drawbacks. Though the construction of dams has provided humans with many resources, we are entering an age of environmental enlightenment. As the environment becomes more endangered we must consider how each of our actions impact our surroundings. Because of the many ecological drawbacks of dams we must cease construction and find other ways to benefit from our natural waterways.

Argumentation

When debating any issue there are going to be both good and bad arguments. While researching the debate about gay marriage I found sources that used concepts of rhetoric to strengthen their argument, as well as sources that lacked any true support for their views.

One example of a source that used elements of rhetoric was an essay that appeared on the site Catholic Answers. This essay employed logos very effectively; the article cited studies and facts, especially regarding the views of the Catholic Church, to support its points. By citing specific studies and psychologists, the article also created ethos because there are credible sources supporting the findings.

Another strong argument about gay marriage is a clip of a debate on the Dr. Phil show. This debate employed many forms of rhetoric to debate the issue of gay marriage. Though we only witnessed a clip of the segment, we could see the debaters employing many techniques to support their arguments. Both members of the panel used pathos and logos to support their position. They appeal to our morality and values to either agree that marriage is an equal right, or that marriage is about uniting a man and woman. They address specific facts about court decisions and history regarding segregation to make their points. Finally, though we are not told of the panelists’ qualifications, we can assume that they have some credibility in order to have been invited on the show.

There were also sources that did not employ strategies of rhetoric, which weakened their arguments and made it hard to agree with their conclusions. One example was a personal video found on Youtube. In the video a man defends his objection to gay marriage. His main objection has nothing to do with morals or religion; his only objection seems to be the fact that gay men have anal sex, which could cause anal sex to become more common and increase the number of rapes with anal sex. Throughout his address the speaker fails to use any form of ethos, pathos, or logos. He has no credibility to speak to the topic besides his own opinions. Despite this fact, he attempts to name statistics and make predictions that have no legitimate support. Also, he doesn’t base his opinion off of any real facts, only ill-based assumptions. Finally, the tone he takes is unprofessional and offensive which would dissuade many listeners from adopting his viewpoint.

Another example of an argument with a lack of rhetorical support is a personal blog post I found online. There is no ethos evident; the author doesn’t seem to have any expertise to back up his opinion. Furthermore, he offers no actual facts to add to his positions; though he references issues such as the national deficit, health care reform, and the environment, no numbers or sources are used to show how big of an issue they are. Overall, the post offers little more than a personal opinion.

Overall, I believe that the sources that used strategies such as logos, pathos, and ethos provided stronger arguments than those without. They give several different supports for the arguments, whether it is statistical proof, credible research, or a professional tone of voice. Those without these elements have little to support their arguments, making them simply a personal opinion.

Good Argumentation

http://www.catholic.com/library/gay_marriage.asp




Bad Argumentation

http://www.thejonblog.com/archives/000273.html

Cradle to Cradle

Throughout Cradle to Cradle, McDonough and Braungart use many rhetorical strategies to convey their ideas about being eco-effective. The concept of “cradle to cradle” is basically the idea that consumers of nature’s goods have a responsibility to restore that usage safely and carefully. It is the idea that we must give more to the environment than we take away. This concept is the central idea of McDonough’s and Braungart’s work.

I found the writing style of McDonough and Braungart especially impressive because of their ability to utilize both logos and pathos at the same time. When discussing how to make the most eco-friendly book or office building, the authors make their vision very accessible and imaginable for the reader. However, they still manage to talk about how each detail will affect the eco-friendliness of the locations, such as covering the roof of an office building with grasses or building an open courtyard. Furthermore, when they describe the “difference between eco-efficiency and eco-effectiveness as the difference between an airless, fluorescent-lit gray cubicle and a sunlit area full of fresh air, natural views, and pleasant places to work, eat, and converse,” they make it irresistible for anyone to doubt the benefits of being eco-friendly.

Another way the authors use pathos is when they link being eco-friendly with a sense of morality. It is each person’s job to do things the right way, and McDonough and Braungart make it clear that we are obligated to make our lives more eco-friendly. They describe the effects our abuse of the earth; daily it has less growth, oxygen, clean water, and habitation.

However, the authors still use plenty of logos to support their writing. They reference details about natural growth to show how an ecosystem supports itself. They also detail how we pollute the environment in small steps and the effect that it is having on the ecosystem. By referencing specialists such as biologist E. O. Wilson and professor of environmental science Kai Lee they give their work a lot of credible support also.

Monbiot Reading

George Monbiot uses many rhetorical strategies in his work to reach out to the reader and strengthen his point. Instead of launching right into a logical appeal or a list of facts, Monbiot opens with a story that shows why he wrote on this subject.

Monbiot also makes himself very accessible and puts himself on the same level as his reader. He mentions that living in a world that was entirely environmentally safe, we would have to give up many modern marvels such as fancy soap and towels. Those these are frivolous examples, he uses them to point out that he likes the comforts of modern life as well as many others. This helps the author relate to an average person who may be worried about becoming environmentally conscious. The reader is encouraged to listen because they share the same views as the writer; he wants to be environmentally safe but enjoys living with conveniences.

Another emotional appeal that Monbiot uses is talking about future generations. He claims that we are fortunate, but that the world may not be the same for future generations if we continue to live the way we do. This is a direct pathos strategy because he appeals to readers who want their children to live well.

Monbiot strengthens his argument by acknowledging the weaknesses or difficulties his plan offers. He explains that changes will have to be made by each country according to size and climate. This shows the reader that he has thought through his proposal many times and has considered the positives and negatives.

Monbiot also offers a large section of facts and numbers, which gives the reader a lot of hard facts to realize how serious the problem is and how quickly it is growing. Not only does this appeal to the logical side of the reader, but it also instills fear which is useful for spurring actions. For example, he talks about how rising sea levels will pollute drinking water in many coastal cities; it is clear that environmental change can have a direct impact on our lives. This also gives the writer credibility, which is central to Faigley’s and Selzer’s tactics for writing an effective argument.

Overall, Monbiot uses several tactics to create a strong argument that is accessible by his audience. Using strategies described by Faigley and Selzer, he uses several emotional and logical appeals to connect with his audience. By allying with the reader but also offering hard facts and making a difficult subject more simple to understand, Monbiot creates an effective argument to become more environmentally aware and take action to change how we live.

Escaping Suburbia

I was an eight year old who had never ventured from the suburbia of Northeast Ohio standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon for the first time. The next summer, I found myself standing at the base of the Teton Mountains in Wyoming anticipating a hike through its hills. Two years later, I was laying in Rocky Mountain National Park next to a genuine campfire watching the moon rise above the mountains and seeing more stars than I seen even during school trips to the planetarium. Imagine how these sites would affect an eight-year-old girl from Mentor, Ohio.

I consider myself fortunate that my experience with nature began at a young age. As I transitioned from childhood to my teenage and young adult years, exposure to some of the most impressive natural sites in our country became a part of my concept of nature and how we interact with it. While other kids my age were traveling to Disney World or visiting their Grandmas in Texas, my family of five drove our rusty minivan and vintage 70's pop-up trailer cross country to the Rocky Mountains. Over the past twelve years we've spent weeks with our retro pop-up in some of the Rockies' stunning park and campsites. As a young child the sites I saw amazed me; no photograph I'd seen could do justice to the magnitude of a mountain range or the Grand Canyon or Old Faithful.

The first few trips we made to the mountains had the most significant impact on my environmental ethics. As we grow older, we are taken from a naïve state of ignorance and slowly introduced to new concepts about the world around us. Our universe grows from our neighborhood to an entire planet, and even solar system. These concepts are learned through our educations systems, our family’s narrative, television, and storybooks. However, nothing can teach as well as practical experience. I firmly believe that there is no way to teach a young child about their respective size than to take them to one of nature’s major creations. During the course of our family vacations, I quickly realized that we are a miniscule part of nature and our world; it is impossible for anyone who stood where I stood to feel any differently.

This realization has become central to my beliefs and actions throughout the later years of my life. I don’t consider myself a religious person; the strict rules and restrictions of the Roman Catholic faith never set well with me. However, I believe that my experiences with the environment and immense respect for nature has created, or at least enhanced, a form of faith for me. Though I have trouble believing some of the stories of the Bible I can see many of its concepts in our surroundings. Many people turn to their faith when they need an escape or guidance. I, on the other hand, find nature to be more therapeutic than any Catholic service I’ve ever been to. For the past couple years, nature has offered me an escape from the pressures of everyday life. Whenever I felt that I needed guidance or direction, I usually found my way to the woods behind my house and wandered through. I discovered I could think much more clearly and usually found the guidance I needed.

Furthermore, I believe that one can live well in the eyes of God by living life to the fullest and appreciating all that we are given. I believe that services, confessions, and penances distract people from actually taking action to improve the world around them and living out God’s vision. For me, the environment is one of the greatest gifts we have been provided and therefore I feel it is each person’s responsibility to protect it and enjoy it.

Stemming from the experiences I have had with nature, I have become very aware of how our actions affect the environment around us and how much damage mankind is capable of doing. This consciousness has guided my actions and motivations throughout the past few years. I have grown more conscience of how my actions affect the environment and how I can become more responsible for caring for it. Through small steps – recycling paper, using cold water when I wash clothes, using reusable shopping bags, walking instead of driving, turning off unused lights - I try to lessen my impact on the environment. I also encourage my friends and family to take some of the same steps in their daily lives. Even if they don’t have the same experiences with and respect for nature as I do, they still recognize the need to protect the environment. Admittedly, I still have a long way to go. However, I recognize the need for responsible living and have a strong motivation to keep working towards it – a family photo from a past vacation always does the trick.

Rough Draft!

Imagine an eight year old who had never ventured from the suburbia of Northeast Ohio standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon for the first time. Or standing at the base of the Teton Mountains in Wyoming anticipating a hike through it's hills. Or laying in Rocky Mountain National Park next to a genuine campfire watching the moon rise above the mountains and seeing more stars than she'd seen even during school trips to the planetarium. Imagine how these sites would affect an eight year old girl from Mentor, Ohio who had hardly ventured beyond the contained neighborhoods and highways that surrounded her.

I consider myself fortunate that my experience with nature began at a young age. As I transitioned from childhood to my teenage and young adult years, exposure to some of the most impressive natural sites in our country became a part of my concept of nature and how we interact with it. While other kids my age were traveling to Disney World or visiting their Grandma in Texas, my family of five drove our rusty minivan and vintage 70's pop-up trailer cross country to the Rocky Mountains. Over the past twelve years we've spent weeks with our retro pop-up in some of the Rockies' stunning park and campsites. As a young child the sites I saw amazed me; no photograph I'd seen could do justice to the magnitude of a mountain range or the Grand Canyon or Old Faithful. As I grow older, the sites continue to awe me, though this amazement has developed into a genuine respect and admiration.

The first few trips we made to the mountains had the most significant impact on my environmental ethics. As we grow older, we are taken from a naïve state of ignorance and slowly introduced to new concepts about the world around us. Our universe grows from our neighborhood to a country and an entire planet and even solar system. These concepts are learned through our education systems, our family’s narrative, television, and storybooks. However, nothing can teach as well as practical experience. I firmly believe that there is no way to teach a young child about their respective size than to take them to one of nature’s major creations. During the course of our family vacations, I quickly realized that we are a miniscule part of nature and our world; it is impossible for anyone who stood where I stood to feel any differently.

This realization has become central to my beliefs and actions throughout the later years of my life. I don’t consider myself a religious person; the strict rules and restrictions of the Roman Catholic faith never set well with me. However, I believe that my experiences with and immense respect for nature has created, or at least enhanced, a form of faith for me. This respect is grounded in the belief that something unnatural must have helped form the world that we live in. Though I have trouble believing some of the stories of the Bible I can see many of its concepts in our surroundings. Furthermore, I believe that one can live well in the eyes of God by living life to the fullest and appreciating all that we are given. For me, the environment is one of the greatest gifts we have been provided and therefore I feel it is each person’s responsibility to protect it and enjoy it.

Stemming from the experiences I have had with nature, I have become very aware of how our actions affect the environment around us and how much damage mankind is capable of doing. This consciousness has guided my actions and motivations throughout the past few years. I have grown more conscience of how my actions affect the environment and how I can become more responsible for caring for it. Small steps - recycling, using cloth bags while shopping, not drinking bottled water, walking instead of driving - have been integrated into my daily routine. Admittedly, I still have a long way to go; there is always some way we can improve our commitment to preserving nature. However, I recognize the need for responsible living and have a strong motivation to keep working towards it – a family photo from a past vacation always does the trick.

Williams Rhetoric

Throughout her writing, Terry Tempest Williams uses various rhetorical styles to bring her writing to life. In Yellowstone: The Erotics of Place, Williams uses a series of short, meaningful phrases to catch the reader’s attention. By using strong verbs and vivid imagery Williams creates a comprehensive image for the reader. One can hardly read descriptions such as “geysers surging” or “hooves stampeding” without feeling the life found in Yellowstone. The writing takes this description of a location and brings it to life. Mixed in with these dramatic phrases are elaborated stories and concepts. These stories give the writing direction and purpose as Williams introduces the concept of engaging with our surroundings. The concept of loving and appreciating the land is explicitly stated in her work, but can also be found in the carefully crafted and impressive writing used at the beginning and end of the piece.

In other stories, Williams uses different strategies to strengthen her message. In Winter Solstice at the Moab Slough, Williams tells the story of the Hopi and how they celebrate life and the earth. This story continues the theme of our connection with our surroundings and the strong tie between man and nature. However, this story lacks the strong statement made in the Yellowstone piece. Instead, it is more fluid, almost like the stream of thoughts going through the author’s head. The reader follows the stream of conscience, yet in the end still arrives at the same point as the previous piece: that “the land is love.”

In Erosion, Williams tells the story of a Japanese immigrant who has a deep connection to the land. The story illustrates the almost spiritual connection the immigrant has with his surroundings and how incredible this gift is. However, when the immigrant’s son is taken away to jail at the end, the feelings of joy and comfort quickly change to sadness and regret.