Reflection

Reflection

From researching coral reefs, I have heightened my awareness of industrialism’s effects on our planet. One such negative effect is the resulting temperature increase from elevated levels of carbon dioxide. In the picture, the boy holds a small piece of coral reef that has lost its algae coat, which gives the reef the nutrients and protection it needs. I drew the boy without a jacket to resemble the coral reef, which is vulnerable and susceptible to disease without its algae coat. In the back of the piece is a large skull, representing industrialism, which is filled with machines that drill for fossil fuels. The skull sits in the back, where it slowly changes the climate of the Earth at a deceptively unnoticeable pace. This piece depicts a microcosm of the world's current environmental situation. However, such conditions can be salvaged. I believe that little by little, we can change our lifestyles and use increasingly less fuel.