In July, I attended the Lower East Side's New Museum, in which I was utterly captivated with one major piece: John Akomfrah's video installation Vertigo Sea, the centerpiece of his exhibition Signs of Empire. The work presents images of the ocean, in its natural forms and movements, alongside pictures of human history, particularly slavery and migration, illustrating the large impact of water as an environmental and cultural force. I found it simply beautiful and breathtaking, and I felt moved in a way that I had not been in a long time.
Now reflecting in hindsight, I believe that Vertigo Sea served as a striking reminder that the environment is the most powerful determiner of the course of humanity and society. The ways in which the natural world has been treated and used are the origins of both wonderful triumphs and, more importantly, massive problems. I’ve recently found myself drawn to environmentalism because of how such relevant issues touch literally everyone on earth and should receive more attention and care in order to ensure futures for generations to come. Don’t get me wrong: the many social issues surrounding gender, race, violence, and so forth also alive in our current culture are worth infinite consideration. But if the very physical world we live in is suffering, such other human problems can seem insignificant by comparison—and with regards to my personal inclinations, I wish to turn my sights towards where I feel the most good needs to be done.
I’ve realized that I’ve always wanted to care for the environment in little ways: I long ago refused plastic bags and have instead insisted on always carrying tote bags for groceries; I do not use any plastic cups or silverware when at work and avoid buying concessions if such items are included; and I have elected to stop ordering take-out food from restaurants. I have attempted to learn more about environmentalism by attending events like New York’s Car Free Earth Day or the World Ocean Festival, which has opened my eyes greatly to the upsetting signficance of issues like climate change and water pollution. Such education has been truly enlightening and has inspired me to actively support the cause in greater fashion.
This, of course, is easier said than done. This piece from Time exactly articulates the reasons behind people’s continuing neglect of environmental problems: personal inconvenience, no immediate results or consequences, and overall lack of awareness and scholarship. Again, I have certainly pledged to change my daily actions to reduce my effects on the environment; but I struggle with how to contribute more and absolutely feel that I am making a concrete impact. As is often the case, the solutions most substantially lie with politicians and experts in the field, neither of which I am, obviously. For the time being, I know to donate money to foundations when I can and read their newsletters, and when the time arises, I will sign up for volunteer opportunities—and I can only hope to spread the word enough to make those around me also consider deeply this huge dilemma for the future of our planet.