En el mar

When we hear “climate change,” usually we picture stronger storms, forest fires and maybe even the melting ice caps. Or we simply think “global warming.” The extent of our understanding of climate change tends to stay within a relatively comfortable position; a privileged one provided by our capitalist society that keeps us from seeing beyond our personal issues with climate change. It’s time we stepped outside our comfort zone, not only to alleviate some of the harm we’ve caused to the environment but, as a way to fight for those who are most vulnerable. While the current political climate has finally brought certain issues to the table for open discussion, such as racism, we’re still behind in the conversation when it comes to how this relates to the environment. Environmental racism, through the extraction of natural resources historically from the Global South, and the nonfulfillment of public policies put in place to protect those regions, is something we should all be aware of. 

Cangrejo fue a estudiar, caballero. He’s out there studying the world, why aren’t we doing our part?

The excessive amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emitted into the atmosphere is directly related to the rise of the industrial revolution. But climate change, like everything else in nature, is a complicated web of effects that are not only present on land but in the oceans as well. Ocean acidification is an example of this, and it is a direct result of the CO₂ buildup in the atmosphere from human activity. 

To begin to understand this we must look at part of the interaction between the ocean and the atmosphere. Naturally, there is a constant exchange of elements between these two layers. When carbon in the form of CO₂ reaches the atmosphere, part of it is dissolved into the ocean as a way of maintaining a balance. When in contact with water, CO₂ forms carbonic acid which lowers the ocean’s pH. So, all that excess CO₂ that we’ve pumped into the air for more than 200 years has now led to our oceans becoming increasingly more acidic.

This has consequences in both marine life and the lives of people who depend on those resources. As pH levels begin to drop in the ocean, shell building species, such as crabs, oysters, and corals are the most affected. The rising acidity in the ocean prevents them from building and maintaining their shells or skeletons properly. Changes in their absence or presence would have cascading effects within their whole ecosystem and other ecosystems they interact with.

Cangrejo fue a estudiar, caballero. He might not be able to for much longer. It is common to disregard climate change aspects that don’t immediately affect our way of life. But humans do depend on marine life through different activities like fisheries and ecotourism. However, the focus on this subject is usually only through a consumer lens, ignoring the accountability of our actions that gave way to these effects in the first place. But more importantly, how do our actions affect the most vulnerable, those who cater to our consumerism? A lot of us love seafood but we don’t generally question where this food comes from or who fished it for us. Also, the trips we take to remote beaches and coastal areas for ecotourism, or Columbusing activities, are nothing more than commodities to a lot of us. Do we know how the people that depend on these jobs are being affected by our refusal to give up aspects of our lives defined by the very nature of capitalism? Marginalized communities of mainly Black, indigenous and people of color are the most affected by the extractivism of the global North. What are we doing for these communities? What are we doing for the environment?

Cangrejo corre pa trás y quiere ser pelotero.

His dream of playing baseball might go against his nature but perhaps then we’ll care more about his existence beyond what he tastes like on our plate.

Cangrejo me dijo a mí que con esfuerzo podía hablar francés y alemán.

“Con esfuerzo” but we’re just not listening. What language will move us to understand and accept our environmental responsibility? Can we all learn to speak the language of environmental justice? While it may seem like an overwhelming problem, perhaps we can start by making the conscience decision to challenge and reprioritize our lifestyles.

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