Global Transitions: A Visual Portrayal of Anthropogenic Impacts on the Environment

Date of Award

2009

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Natural Sciences

First Advisor

Lowman, Margaret

Keywords

Environment, Photography, Science, Climate Change

Area of Concentration

Environmental Studies

Abstract

The Earth has been considerably altered by human influence with serious environmental consequences. Increasing population and consumption rates are depleting forests, oil, and freshwater resources. Land converted for agriculture and urbanization degrades essential natural ecosystems. Water and air pollution are destroying habitats and endangering the plant and animal species that depend on them. Humans are intentionally altering sensitive cycles, ignoring the important services provided by maintaining balance in atmospheric, hydrologic, and terrestrial cycles. These alterations are increasing the severity and impacts of climate change for the future. A combination of changing policy and enhancing personal responsibility could benefit the world by mitigating damages. Actions must be taken now to prevent further destruction. Visual media accompanying written information has the ability to enhance and promote science. Environmental photographs can appeal to different audiences by attracting attention and creating a lasting memory. In the most basic sense, environmental photography incites an appreciation for the beauty of the natural world. The most imperative message of this thesis was to combine photography and written information to explain how each person can shape the environment and the necessity involved in taking personal responsibility for actions and changing habits to create a more promising future.

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