This colorful composition references the overfishing of tuna in our oceans, which has decimated populations and put several species at risk of extinction. The population of Pacific bluefin tuna, for example, has been reduced to 4% of its original size, and the remaining fish are threatened by extraordinary demand and illegal fishing. Read about conservation strategies to save the Pacific blue fin tuna in thisslideshow from the Pew Charitable Trusts. Learn about the efforts of scientists to use in vitro fertilization of mackerel to breed Pacific blue fin tuna in thisvideo.

The title of this work, “The Beasts of Burden,” refers to the future generations who will shoulder the burdens of our unsustainable habits. One such habit is the consumption of meat and dairy in our diets. According to this New York Times post, meat and dairy account for 14.5% of the world’s greenhouse gases, roughly the same amount as all of the world’s cars, trucks, airplanes and ships combined. In addition, as described in this article from Scientific American, beef production impacts the environment in other ways due to its use of fertilizer, fuel, pesticides, water and land, and its role in water pollution and deforestation throughout the world.  

The world’s addiction to fossil fuels has had a dramatic impact on our landscapes and our social fabric. Learn about the methods of extracting fossil fuels in thisvideo tutorial. In light of climate change, pollution and other environmental issues associated with fossil fuels, many world leaders are looking ahead to a post-carbon future. Learn more about the history of fossil fuels and the urgent need for change in thisvideo from the Post Carbon Institute entitled “300 Years of Fossil Fuels in 300 Seconds.”

In “Stacking the Deck,” Al Grumet portrays a homeless man who is vanishing into a bale of discarded cardboard boxes. The work addresses the impact of mass consumption, drawing a direct connection between environmental justice and social justice. As e-commerce continues to drive the growth of consumption, our society will need to addressever-expanding streams of consumer waste without sacrificing nature and the welfare of those less fortunate.

Many resources go into campaigns to raise awareness of environmental issues, but are these campaigns effective at bringing about change? In this thoughtful post, Max Liboiron argues that there are focal points for change that scale better than awareness. By focusing on those approaches, which typically address infrastructure, habits and access, we can convert the willingness to change into meaningful behavioral change.

“Hanging in the Balance” conveys the urgency of addressing the climate crisis. According to scientists, humanity must cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions by 2050 in order to limit global warming to 1.5 °C. Researchers at Project Drawdown have concluded that these dramatic reductions can be achieved by scaling existing solutions. Although unprecedented transformation is required, policy tools like a steadily-rising carbon fee and dividend program can accelerate the process and promote innovation.

Al Grumet creates surreal visions of a world tainted by human consumption and environmental neglect. If you are inspired by his work, you can take action in your own life. Select one or more pledges listed below and spread the word. You can also learn more by visiting our Pledge Center. Let’s #EndOvershoot and save our #OneEarth.