Reflection

Reflection

Growing up in Northern California, oceans have been a central part of my life. As I have learned the most about oceans from my visits to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the California Academy of Sciences and snorkeling off the coast, I focused my piece on the effects of the climate crisis on the California Pacific Coast. The knowledge I gained as a child visiting these institutions over the years greatly informed this piece. The creatures and fauna I chose to depict are all profoundly impacted by climate change and drawn from my memories of them in their natural habitats. I sought to represent how the devastation of our oceans has been almost entirely in the hands of financially-driven corporations and politicians. This is symbolized by the black-clothed figure holding money/change. Coal (depicted in the lower portion of my piece) is the largest contributor to CO2 in the atmosphere, and its lack of regulation is leading to the warming of our oceans. Ocean warming spurs the growth of toxic algae blooms, impacting fish and kelp. Until coal-producing corporations are held accountable, ocean warming with all its destruction will continue. Change is still possible through the combined actions of individuals advocating for new policies (as depicted by the buttons for the Green New Deal and politicians supporting change) and the resulting shifts within corporations and government. Change will come from the conscious actions of both individuals and institutions, hence the title "Change is in Our Hands". These changes have the power to save our oceans so that they are again vibrant, thriving ecosystems (as depicted in the upper portion of my piece). Through my research on the climate crisis and potential solutions, I have learned how interconnected everything in the ocean is. People tend to link the climate crisis solely to physical pollution of the oceans, when air pollution is one of the most damaging contributors. Identifying the roots of the problem is critical to targeting effective actions towards change. I am committed to identifying and supporting organizations advocating for political and corporate change. Though we have a long way to go, it gives me hope to see young people such as myself outraged at the current state of our world and taking action. I hope my piece can inspire others to learn, vote, advocate, fight and speak up.