THIRD DEGREE
The Ocean's Hot Seat
ARTIST STATEMENT
Coral bleaching is a fast–paced ocean acidification disaster that is currently taking place from rapidly rising ocean temperatures due to climate change from human industrialization and excessive pollution.
The coral reefs which we see in our oceans today have existed for over 10,000 years, yet coral bleaching has only first been documented within the last 20 years and has intensified to alarmingly high levels which are dooming the fate of our coral reefs faster than we are able to predict. It is said that the ocean has a “fever” that is killing off our underwater landscapes.
“Third Degree” is designed with three chairs that are representative of coral endangerment through ocean acidification. The exhibit design is inspired by the concept of interrogation to shine light on the overwhelming problem at hand.
The three chairs symbolize (1) Air pollution, (2) Deforestation, and (3) Ocean Pollution which are the three main causes of coral bleaching enforced by humans.
It’s time to put what is out of sight, at the forefront of our view in order to promote change and stop coral bleaching from wiping out the species which we rely on for our own livelihood.
"DESTROY" CHAIR
90% of the world’s coral reefs are under collapse due to deforestation and forest degradation. When trees are cut down and burned or left to rot, they release carbon dioxide into the air and contribute to global warming. With warmer air temperatures, the ocean temperature begins to rise, speeding up the coral bleaching process. With fewer forests to block water runoff into the ocean, deforestation leaves the ocean more susceptible to water pollution as well. It is important to recognize the importance of our forests on land to do more to prevent coral bleaching.
"SUFFOCATE" CHAIR
90% of the world’s coral reefs are under collapse due to air pollution and contamination. Transportation, industrial production, and agricultural exhausts are the three most human-generated contributions towards the suffocation of our coral reefs. When harmful gases and particles fill the air, the pollution creates a haze, which blocks the sun from reaching the reefs and speeds the growth of damaging algae that feed on the health of corals and bleach them. It is important to recognize your ecological carbon footprint on the world to reduce your impact on coral bleaching.
"INFECT" CHAIR
90% of the world’s coral reefs are under collapse due to ocean pollution and contamination. Single-use plastics, sunscreen chemicals, and trash left behind on beaches all contribute to the infection of our coral reefs which speed up the coral bleaching process. It is important to limit your use of single-use plastics and other dangerous chemicals to avoid contributing to the progression of coral bleaching.