Program on the Environment

Proper communication of environmental information to future voters is crucial to tackle the climate crisis, especially in places like Seattle where transportation is responsible for disproportionate carbon emissions and pollutant particulates due to excessive single occupancy vehicle use. To reduce emissions, having a variety of public transportation options is essential, yet many voters are unaware of this solution. To address this issue, as a high school outreach intern with the Seattle Subway Foundation, I aimed to determine the most effective rhetorical approach to explaining possible climate solutions. Using Aristotle’s three primary rhetorical techniques, Ethos, Logos, and Pathos, I presented the key benefits of sustainable transportation to different groups of high school students and surveyed their responses. The results revealed that Pathos appeals, focusing on emotional appeals, had the most significant impact on students’ likelihood to vote for pro-transit measures in the future. This finding is particularly relevant considering the current trend of short and concise communication practices. Knowing what to focus on in discussions of environmental solutions can be crucial in persuading the public to support sustainable actions. In the United States, and Seattle specifically, the transportation sector is a significant contributor to carbon emissions and pollution. By raising awareness of sustainable transportation options and using effective communication strategies, we can reduce these emissions and improve public health. Effectively communicating climate solutions to future voters is necessary to maintain climate stability and build a more sustainable future.