The effects of global warming and human pollution has led to extensive mass-bleaching events in coral reefs so I wanted to focus on that in my piece. A mermaid weeps in despair and anger as she is surrounded by a beautiful and thriving coral reef that has begun to show signs of bleaching. A blood red sun, representing the warming climate, peeks out over the waves. She strikes out with her trident at a littering human as the ocean life around her looks on in amusement. It can be easy to feel frustrated or hopeless when you learn about the mass extinctions and environmental devastation that happens every day but it is also important as a human to recognize your part in that problem- because we are all a part of that problem, we can also choose to be a part of the solution. Working with foundations like PangeaSeed, educating yourself and others about the environment and sustainable practices and even just doing small things (like choosing not to litter) can make a difference.
Kristen Liu-Wong