It is a new year, and we have all cheered and toasted, hoping that changing calendars will bring us more health, joy, and happiness. With urgency, we hope that the pandemic will be over soon, despite Omicron hitting us… The good news is that vaccines are helping tremendously to curb the impact of the virus in the sick, and the evidence is glaring. How could science ever be questioned?
Scientific evidence is also clear on the fact that as the amount of carbon dioxide produced mostly by fossil fuels increases, the planet warms up. Sea levels rise and extreme weather phenomena – such as wildfires, flooding, extreme heat, and drought – are more frequent and more severe. Everywhere. Furthermore, science clearly shows that if we do nothing, all these occurrences will worsen: a vast fraction of the population will need to migrate, and the magnitude and the variety of impacts will affect most of the Earth inhabitants. Low-income communities will be hit the hardest.
However, change is still possible. Science also suggests that we can avoid the worst impacts of climate change if we limit warming to under 2ºC. To do so, we need a much cleaner economy by mid-century or much sooner.
More good news: A recent research study by the Pew Research Center (nonpartisan fact tank that conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, content analysis and other data-driven social science research) found that 80% of individuals are willing to make changes to the way they live and work to help reduce the effects of climate change. In my previous blog post, Thoughts about Change, I have spoken about ways to implement actions in our lives that lead to urgently needed changes to fight the climate crisis. As I write this, I feel happy that you are one of those who are willing to make such changes and inspire others to it as well. Keep up the good work!
A personal good news is that one of the paintings from my ongoing Climate Crisis Series was juried into the “Forms of Resistance” exhibit, presented by the Cambridge Art Association in partnership with Cambridge College, taking inspiration from the theme for their 2021-2022 academic year, Good Trouble, and juried by Danielle Abrams. As the exhibit call indicated, shortly before his death in 2020, civil rights activist and representative John Lewis said “Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.” These wise and courageous words are the inspiration for the exhibit from artists that have reflected and created on the various forms of resistance, either public or personal, that continue to bring awareness and renewed meaning to the issues of our time, like the climate crisis. I hope you can visit the exhibit in person or virtually.
Image: “Your Brain on Climate Crisis News”, acrylic, acrylic and ink pen, and Uni POSCA marker on canvas, 40 x 32 inches, available. This painting will be on exhibit at the juried show “Forms of Resistance”, presented by the Cambridge Art Association in partnership with Cambridge College, at the Cambridge College’s Town Common Gallery, 500 Rutherford Avenue, Charlestown, MA, and online. The exhibit will run from January 25 to February 19, 2022. If you have comments or questions about this artwork or others on my website, please contact me here.
Congratulations on your coming exhibit, Adriana!