Dr. Loren McClenachan’s discussion on the environmental changes occurring in marine ecosystems was both shocking and intriguing. I feel as though these conversations are happening in regards to environmental change, global warming, and governmental interventions (or lack there of) to prevent such changes, but Dr. McClenachan’s talk highlighted aspects of these drastic changes that are not commonly discussed, and to her emphasis, should be. She specifically discussed the role of society and social understandings on environmental policy and behavior in practice.
She began her discussion by showing contrasting images of similar ecosystems that would, to a “normal person”, appear to be quite similar and without drastic difference in health from the observer’s naïve perspective. She argued that on the surface, marine habitats may appear very healthy, but when put into perspective with the past of such habitats it becomes clear how drastic and detrimental pollutants have become. The effects of pollution become much more dramatic and obsolete when images are compared and contrasted to previous images. Older professional in the field of environmental science (and even just regular people) are able to share how ecosystems have changed over time. This generational context is vital in that these narratives provide insight to a more advanced area of scientific research, which provides data to suggest how expansive the depletion of marine life actually is. Dr. McClenachan’s work uses archival records and photographs in Florida around the Key West area to analyze how fishing acts as a tangible example of marine ecosystem change.
This talk opened my eyes to my own biases regarding ecological change. I identified with her assumption that the “normal person” probably wouldn’t see much of anything alarming when looking at a photograph of a wetland or a riverbed, even if they were severely affected by pollution. I do not know enough about how the health of an environment is supposed to appear to the naked eye. Her talk called for the need for public education above anything. She suggested that the widespread lack of understanding causes socially static behavior. Dr. McClenachan suggested that by the time people are able to see how awful the impacts have become on the health of our environment, it will be too late to make any changes. Environmental conscious behavior is too few and far between to be making any form of monumental impact. Therefore, the adaptations must become socially relevant and collectively practiced. Marine organisms and wildlife provide just one example of depleting environmental resources.
With or without wide-scale governmental intervention or public policy creation, changes must be made. Young people represent the most plastic and environmentally motivated individuals. This talk was so important, but it represented what should be just the beginning. Colby should incorporate more environmental education forums and public addresses on a regular basis. Students need to be informed regarding how everyday behaviors and material uses are impacting the world around us. This can no longer remain a problem of few and must be recognized as a problem for all.