Brian Skerry reveals ocean's glory -- and horror
Rating:****
Brian
Skerry’s lecture grasped my attention at the very mention of his name.
He is one of my favourite underwater photographers for National
Geographics. The images he shares with us in this particular
presentation really have a way of getting to you on an emotional scale.
Skerry emphasises the harm that has been done to sea animals at the hands of mankind whether it be global warming, pollution in the water, or plainly catching these creatures for food. He mentions the process of shrimp catching where for every handful of shrimp, tens of other sea life is killed and thrown back into the ocean as trash. He pulls up another story about sharks as the beautiful creatures they are instead of portraying them as monsters that should be feared, then continues to explain how the lemon shark’s habitat is being destroyed for a new golf course. His arguments make you consider how human beings are able to be so selfish as to obliterate an entire species for simple luxuries. Most importantly, he says that 90% of all species of sea animals have disappeared in the last 50 years, a headline worthy title, but a title that didn’t exactly reach the media.
I really enjoyed this presentation and the fact that he presented it from a unique perspective-from that of an underwater photographer, but more importantly from the perspective of one who loves the ocean indefinitely. His passion for the sea is reflected in the audience, and you can’t help but feel the need to help these animals or at least talk about what needs to be done.
I
gave this video four stars because it was quite inspiring, but it
lacked instructions on what one could possibly do if they are willing to
help. Otherwise, he is an excellent speaker and an great photographer.
Brian Skerry reveals ocean's glory -- and horror. TED. June 2010. Web. January 13th 2013. http://www.ted.com/talks/brian_skerry_reveals_ocean_s_glory_and_horror.html
By Jen Hauteclocque
No comments:
Post a Comment