1) The author's main purpose is to persuade you through Ethos. Trying to give you a problem, then a solution, to show that he is fair. The author is trying to present these issues so that you are aware of what is going on. He is comparing it to various countries to show what they are doing and to encourage others to do the same. Explaining that the countries with the power and authority can help, being the more developed countries.
2) Pretty much the same as the first one, except, with the smoke health part, it is to portray how people need better way's to get fuel, or it will cost the country
Allen states that since freedom of conscience and expression si in the First Amendment of the Constitution, then it is of the most importance to Americans.
