Reflection

The warming of our planet is greatly contributed by human activities—including burning of fossil fuels, usage of gasoline transportation, and consumption of ruminant animals—that contribute to the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The ocean helps to absorb the excess heat and CO2, which negatively impacts the marine ecosystem. Owing to the fact that humans cannot visualize the harmful influences that their actions contribute to the ocean, they do not see the urgency and need to change. I created five popsicle models to portray the dire consequences of climate change on the ocean: rising sea level, toxic algae, shrinking habitats, acidification of water, disruption of fisheries. My artwork illustrates the mindset of human beings who disregard the reality that our ocean is being harmed as they idealistically think that it is all right to continue committing acts that contribute to climate change. The irony of popsicles is that they will all eventually melt into a puddle of water, and everything within will no longer be able to stay in place, which is a vivid depiction of the harm and consequences of global warming.