Sport Utility's vs. the Environment

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English 150 15 February 2007 Sport Utility’s vs. the Environment: Koehl’s Argument against Sport Utility Vehicles The Article, “Sport Utility Vehicles Are Bad for the Environment” Albert Koehl attempts to persuade the reader that SUVs cause significant damage to the environment. Koehl claims that “SUVs emit excessive amounts” of poisonous greenhouse gasses which “waste fossil fuels, and are inefficient.” He also states that these vehicles “contribute to global warming” (Koehl 129). Considering this, the safety and protection of the environment is of great importance in Koehl’s article. The proposed way to achieve this level of safety and protection is through eliminating the extensive use of SUVs. In this article, Koehl argues that SUVs are inefficient and bad for the environment. Koehl supports his rhetorical argument through using specific examples of rhetorical tools including, imagery, humor, and irony to dispute his argument effectively. Koehl begins his essay by establishing a relationship with his audience. He does this through entertaining the reader with humor. Koehl states that “Everyone should have a Sub Urban Vanity – or rather a Selfish Upscale Van. Or is it a Simply Unnecessary Vehicle?” (130). By using these other examples to portray Sport Utility Vehicles, Koehl is telling us what he really thinks about an SUV: that the extensive use SUVs is unnecessary. The pathos in this quote is evident. It connects reader through a sarcastic means of emotion. Next, Koehl moves into the environmental issue of his argument. He refers to the excessive use of fossil fuels by SUVs when he asks, “Why keep fossil fuels in the ground when your kids appreciate a challenge?” (130). This is creating a negative impact on the world we live in. Although some of us may not be around to experience the consequences of our actions, we must think of how

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