Writing To Convince

Writing to Convince

In this assignment, you will go beyond merely informing your readers and will also strive to persuade them to accept your position on a particular topic that is open to debate. Write a 1,250–1,500 word research-based argument supporting your position on an aspect of a debatable topic. Your argument should ultimately be a policy claim, i.e., a claim about what should be done with respect to some situation, supported by claims of fact and/or claims of value with evidence.

You must use a minimum of six highly credible sources to support your claim, including empirical data from reputable organizations such as the Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, or the World Health Organization. Your paper should incorporate a mix of summary, paraphrase, and quotation—with quotations constituting no more than 10% of the total words—and all source information must be properly cited.

Format your assignment appropriately for your audience and purpose, which may differ from a traditional academic paper, such as a web page, brochure, or magazine article. Include relevant visuals that enhance your argument, with all borrowed visuals properly cited. Visuals are optional and may not count toward the word count, depending on usage.

Cite sources using MLA, APA, or Chicago style according to the guidelines provided. The assignment must include a compelling title suited for your intended audience and purpose. Clearly specify your intended audience and purpose at the top of your paper to guide reviewers and your instructor.

Paper For Above instruction

The art of persuasive writing extends beyond mere presentation of facts; it involves compellingly advocating for specific actions or policies rooted in credible evidence. Developing such an argument requires careful selection of a debatable topic, thorough research, and strategic presentation of claims, evidence, and visuals to influence readers effectively. In this paper, I argue that implementing comprehensive renewable energy policies is essential to combating climate change and ensuring sustainable development.

Climate change remains one of the most pressing issues facing humanity today, with scientific evidence confirming its link to human activities, particularly reliance on fossil fuels. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), limiting global warming to 1.5°C requires rapid decarbonization and widespread adoption of renewable energy sources (IPCC, 2021). Despite this, many countries continue to prioritize fossil fuel industries due to economic incentives and political interests. I propose that governments must enact policies that accelerate the transition to renewable energy, such as subsidizing solar and wind power, phasing out fossil fuel subsidies, and investing in renewable infrastructure.

Empirical data underscores the feasibility and benefits of renewable energy adoption. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA, 2020) reports that solar and wind power have become the lowest-cost energy sources worldwide, making them economically viable alternatives. Transitioning to renewables could also create millions of jobs; IRENA estimates that doubling the global renewable energy capacity could generate up to 42 million jobs by 2050 (IRENA, 2020). These economic benefits, combined with environmental imperatives, strengthen the case for policy change.

Moreover, adopting renewable energy aligns with claims of value, such as stewardship of natural resources and equitable development. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2018) links air pollution from fossil fuel combustion to millions of premature deaths annually. Transitioning to cleaner energy sources would significantly reduce air pollution, saving lives and reducing healthcare costs. Ethically, prioritizing public health and environmental sustainability should motivate policymakers to support renewable energy initiatives.

Critics argue that transitioning to renewables is costly and technically challenging. However, technological advancements and economies of scale have dramatically reduced costs. For example, the cost of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels has dropped by over 80% since 2010 (Lazard, 2020). Additionally, investment in grid modernization and energy storage can address intermittency issues associated with wind and solar power, ensuring reliable electricity supply. Policy measures such as subsidies, tax incentives, and public-private partnerships can further ease this transition.

Some argue that economic reliance on fossil fuels provides critical income and employment, especially in fossil fuel-rich regions. While this concern is valid, it highlights the importance of just transition policies. These policies would support affected workers through retraining programs and economic diversification initiatives, ensuring that the shift to renewable energy is equitable and inclusive (ILO, 2019). Failure to facilitate this transition could lead to social unrest and economic destabilization.

The evidence overwhelmingly supports the urgency and feasibility of adopting robust renewable energy policies. Such policies are necessary for mitigating climate change, safeguarding public health, and promoting a sustainable economy. Governments, therefore, have both an ethical and practical obligation to lead this transition, harnessing current technological and economic trends for a cleaner, healthier future.

In conclusion, transitioning to renewable energy through comprehensive policy measures is imperative for addressing climate change and fostering sustainable development. The extensive scientific evidence, economic analyses, and ethical considerations presented affirm that renewable energy policies are not only feasible but essential. Policymakers should act decisively to implement these policies, ensuring a resilient and sustainable future for all.

References

  • Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2021). Sixth Assessment Report. https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/
  • International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). (2020). The Green Economy and Jobs Report 2020. https://irena.org/publications/2020/Jun/IRENA_Green_Economy_Jobs_2020
  • Lazard. (2020). Levelized Cost of Energy Analysis — Version 15.0. https://www.lazard.com/perspective/levelized-cost-of-energy-analysis-2020/
  • World Health Organization (WHO). (2018). Air Pollution. https://www.who.int/health-topics/air-pollution#tab=tab_1
  • International Labour Organization (ILO). (2019). A Skilled Workforce for the Energy Transition. https://www.ilo.org/global/topics/green-jobs/publications/WCMS_711814/lang--en/index.htm