With today marking World Water Day 2021, we are compelled to celebrate water as a commodity we so casually take for granted every single day.
Every living being on our planet relies on water to survive, as humans we abuse water; to drink, to clean and to play throughout our lives. Water keeps us alive, keeps us happy and keeps us healthy but we decide to pollute it – dumping “eight million tonnes of plastic into the sea every year” (Sir David Attenborough).
Environmental artist Oenone Hammersley has created a series of paintings to celebrate water, prizing beautiful ripples in the sea ‘to the dreamlike reflections in Venice’ (Oenone Hammersley). The series ‘Washed Up’ shows how the artist views the sea, a juxtaposition between the greens and blues and the accumulation of waste before it, washed up on sandy shores.
All her water paintings benefit Ocean Conservancy.
So, has lockdown enabled our waters to reset? Scenes in Venice from lockdown last year show the canals return to crystal clear water, with the absence of human disturbance, has this time – with people shielding from COVID – given our waters a much needed rest?
An article from The Guardian written last year reports ‘a drop in underwater noise pollution’, giving ‘respite’ to our animals and our oceans. Scientists say that the underwater frequencies caused by human activity affects whales and other marine mammals, and their newly silent seas have changed their behaviour. Humpbacks are calling more, communicating with one another – appearing happier.
In summary, today we must take time to think about the value of our oceans, how our actions have severe consequences on our environment and subsequently our survival. We must remain vigilant and refuse to take the natural world for granted.
Please visit WWF for more information on what you can do to make our oceans cleaner and keep our marine animals safe and happy.
Happy Water Day!
Written by Francesca Bass
skype – quitegr8