The True Expense
Franklin, TN
2018, Senior, Art
Reflection
Reflection
I have always taken many strides to reduce my carbon footprint, yet upon starting this piece of artwork, I realized I truly had no idea what the causes and effects of an increasing ocean climate were. After doing extensive research, I was exposed to the many horrific realities of ocean deterioration due to humans’ ignorance. From the rapid destruction of the Great Barrier Reef to the heart-wrenching sights of bleached coral, the gravity of the situation became clear, and my hope for the ocean’s recovery waned with each and every statistic. Humanity’s reckless, rapid industrialization has killed and is killing our planet's most diverse ecosystem. A fire has been lit inside of me to be more active not only in preserving the wildlife and ecosystem in my landlocked home of Nashville, Tennessee, but advocating for the protection of ocean wildlife and reversal of the oceans’ immense devastation. I am an aspiring architect, and my main career goal is to transform humans’ current built environments to actually coexist with the natural environments of this beautiful planet, not wipe them out as we have done thus far. By creating green living spaces and sustainably functioning buildings, I hope to reduce or even reverse humanity’s negative impact on both land and ocean environments.