Every day, humans contribute to climate change. Global warming, which is dramatically altering our climate, is one of the most urgent challenges of our time. It is often seen as an issue that should be addressed by governments and policymakers, as individual efforts can seem too small to make a significant impact. However, I believe otherwise. Tackling climate change requires a collective effort, with every individual playing a part. This doesn’t mean shifting the responsibility away from governments and policymakers—it means recognizing that we no longer have the luxury of waiting. Authorities and scientists have critical roles, and we trust they will take the necessary steps to prevent disaster. But we, too, must do our part. By making meaningful changes in our daily lives and encouraging others to do the same, we can contribute to saving our shared home.
In essence, tackling climate change is a responsibility for every inhabitant of this planet. Unfortunately, many of us do not take it seriously, especially in regions less directly impacted by its effects. While this may sound elementary, it still bears repeating: Earth and its ecosystems are interconnected, and every living creature depends on them for survival. If you think that melting glaciers in polar regions don’t affect you because you live in the tropics, you’re mistaken. Sooner or later, the consequences will be felt globally. We must act now to prevent future disasters, even if we can't foresee all of them today. It is imperative to seek ways to minimize our harm to nature, think critically, and be more vocal about these issues. Remember, our actions will either save humanity or lead to its downfall. For those who are unfamiliar with the urgency of the situation, I highly recommend watching documentaries like "Ice on Fire" or "Before the Flood".
You may be wondering why an artist sounds like a climate activist.
The truth is, climate change should concern everyone, regardless of their geographic location, status, or occupation. My concern stems from my role as a mother, and it was ignited by a single photograph of a polar bear mother holding her cub while drifting on a fragile sheet of ice in the middle of the sea. This image had a profound emotional impact on me. As I saw it, I imagined myself with my child in the same situation. A painful thought struck me: perhaps, unknowingly or indirectly, I have contributed to their suffering.
Together, let's rethink and discover a new approach to life that supports biodiversity and sustains Earth’s ecosystems—critical for our own survival. Let’s start with simple and achievable changes. We must truly commit to the slogan "No More Plastic," and work to eliminate the use and production of all forms of plastic, including plastic bottles, bags, straws, and palm oil products. If not for the planet, then do it for your children. And if you don’t have children, do it for yourself.
Below is the first painting I created to advocate for this cause in response to that poignant photograph of the polar bear mother and her cub.
Mother's nightmare, 2021, Gouache on handmade paper, 21" x 11"
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