I truly enjoyed Professor Dimock’s lecture this past Monday titled “William Blake and Elizabeth Bishop in the Anthropocene”. It was an intricate presentation that incorporated real life problems with past pieces of literature. Professor Dimock provided a variety of messages meant to connect to a deeper understanding. Though the information was extremely captivating, the presentation was slightly difficult to follow and perhaps this explains why there were not too many questions being asked. Because no one was stepping up, I decided to ask about the end of her presentation where she went into detail about ocean pollution and more specifically, ocean acidification. I essentially asked Professor Dimock if, as a 21 year old in this country, we are doomed for the future? She started out by saying “Scientific research and information has no emotional impact on people”. She emphasized that the most impactful way to promote climate change and garner people’s attention is to SHOW them. She illustrated how the coral reefs in Australia are on track to become virtually nonexistent. Professor Dimock then implored upon the class that we are the ones who are going to be facing the repercussions for this mistreatment of our planet. Our generation must do a better job of utilizing all the information we have at our disposal. Professor Dimock further this point by stating how educated we are socially and on the internet. She made an amazing point when she told us how important it is to educate and teach ourselves about what is happening in the real world. No, I cannot go to Australia, swim around the coral reefs, and truly understand the horrors that are taking place there. Yet, I can surf the web and find someone whose made a detailed video of firsthand experiences and encounters that I would not have seen even if I were to witness the reefs first hand. Professor Dimock’s message was quite clear: older generations (and current) are not the ones wanting to deal with these issues. We are the generation that will have to face the consequences and assume responsibility. If we do not tune in now, then yes, maybe all hope is lost. Yet, overall, Professor Dimock did explain how we can slow the effects of climate change by limiting things like methane and carbon dioxide releases. As someone who is truly invested in our planets’ well-being, I really did enjoy Professor Dimock’s lecture as well as her overall work as it was both educational and entertaining.