kai

In developed coastal regions all over the world, large concrete forms called tetrapods populate the coastlines. They are used to disperse the force of impact of waves on man-made coastal structures but have inadvertently contributed to coastal erosion. I have created four sculptures based on the form of these wavebreakers to represent the much larger issue of climate change, particularly surrounding the involvement of water. Just as these wavebreakers were created for our benefit without fully considering the adverse consequences it might have on coastal environments, much of the technology that has been integrated into our everyday lives have harmful effects on the earth as a whole. The rising temperatures caused by greenhouse gas emissions melt polar ice caps, releasing methane and reducing the surface area of ice reflecting heat from the sun. This not only results in a cycle of rising temperatures and melting ice caps, but also coastal erosion and loss of coral reef and freshwater habitats. Through this series, I aim to bring attention to these concerns in order to invoke a sense of urgency amidst political attempts to feign ignorance towards climate issues. Humanity cannot thrive if the Earth isn’t.