Cassius Williams
February 13, 2023
ENL 1310
Assignment 2: Summary-and-Commentary
The Corals and Capitalist by Juli Berwald is a powerful and thought-provoking piece that
explores the complex relationship between the natural world and modern capitalism. The author
argues that the health and well-being of coral reefs, which are vital to the survival of countless
species, is threatened by the greed and exploitation of capitalist systems. Berwald draws on her
background as a marine biologist to provide a compelling examination of the forces that are
driving the decline of these fragile ecosystems.
Berwald begins by discussing the vital role that coral reefs play in maintaining the delicate
balance of the world's oceans. She notes that these underwater habitats provide food and shelter
for an incredible diversity of life, and play an important role in regulating the Earth's climate by
absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. Berwald emphasizes that the destruction of
coral reefs would have catastrophic consequences for not only the species that depend on them,
but for the entire planet.
However, Berwald argues that the health of coral reefs is being threatened by the forces of
capitalism. She writes that corporations and governments are exploiting the resources of these
ecosystems for their own gain, without regard for the long-term consequences. Berwald cites a
number of examples to support her argument, including the destruction of coral reefs for
development projects and the negative impact of overfishing and pollution.
Berwald argues that the current capitalist system is driven by a short-term focus on profit, which
leads to unsustainable practices and environmental degradation. She notes that corporations are
driven by the need to maximize profits, and that this often leads to practices that are harmful to
the environment. Berwald argues that the market-driven approach of capitalism is incompatible
with the needs of the natural world, and that unless this system is fundamentally changed, the
future of coral reefs and other vital ecosystems will be in jeopardy.
Berwald's essay is a powerful call to action, urging readers to recognize the importance of coral
reefs and to work towards a more sustainable future. She argues that it is essential that we work
to change the current capitalist system, so that it is more in line with the needs of the
environment. Berwald also emphasizes the importance of individual action, urging readers to
take steps in their own lives to reduce their impact on the environment.
One of the most striking aspects of Berwald's essay is the vivid language she uses to describe the
beauty and complexity of coral reefs. Throughout the piece, she draws on her background as a
marine biologist to paint a vivid picture of these incredible ecosystems and the species that
depend on them. Berwald's writing is passionate and persuasive, making it clear that she is
deeply concerned about the future of coral reefs and the world's oceans.
Berwald employs a variety of appeals to gain the trust of her audience. She begins by
establishing her credibility as a scientist and author, and then proceeds to explain the current
state of coral reefs and the threats they face. She also uses a combination of logical and
emotional appeals to make her case. She uses facts and figures to illustrate the current state of
coral reefs, and then appeals to the emotions of her audience by describing the beauty of coral
reefs and the potential consequences of their destruction. The target audience for this essay is
likely to be people who are interested in environmental issues and the effects of capitalism on the
environment. Berwald assumes that her audience is likely to share her values of protecting the
environment and preserving natural resources. She also assumes that her audience is likely to be
familiar with the effects of capitalism on the environment, and the need to address these issues.
Berwald does not address some of the potential solutions to the problem of capitalism and coral
reefs. She does not discuss the potential for policy changes or other measures that could be taken
to address the issue. She also does not address the potential for technological solutions, such as
the use of artificial reefs or other methods of restoring coral reefs. I agree with the author's
position in this essay. I believe that it is important to address the effects of capitalism on coral
reefs, and that we need to shift our thinking about how we manage our natural resources. I also
believe that we need to consider potential solutions to the problem, such as policy changes and
technological solutions. The essay could have been done differently in a few ways. For example,
Berwald could have discussed potential solutions to the problem, such as policy changes and
technological solutions. She could have also discussed the potential for public education and
awareness campaigns to help address the issue. Additionally, she could have discussed the
potential for international cooperation and collaboration to help protect coral reefs. The claims
about causality made in the essay are solid. Berwald provides evidence to support her claims,
such as facts and figures about the current state of coral reefs and the threats they face. She also
provides evidence to support her claims about the role of capitalism in the destruction of coral
reefs, and how it has led to the current state of decline.
In conclusion, The Corals and Capitalist by Juli Berwald is a must-read for anyone concerned
about the future of the planet. The author's powerful and thought-provoking argument makes it
clear that the health of coral reefs is threatened by the forces of capitalism, and that it is essential
that we work to change this system if we hope to protect these vital ecosystems and the species
that depend on them. Berwald's essay is a call to action, urging readers to take responsibility for
their impact on the environment and to work towards a more sustainable future.