“In 1920, the year my mom was born, Robert Frost published one of his shortest poems entitled “Fire and Ice” which ultimately became one of his most popular works. He crafted a succinct work of art that metaphorically explores the distinction between two sets of things which may cause the world’s demise: the natural elements of fire and ice; and hatred and desire.
I have strong views in support of man-made climate change because I believe in scientists, including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change which states that “the scientific evidence for warming of the climate system is unequivocal.”
But whether you believe in science or the 97% of scientists that agree that climate change is likely due to human activities, there is no denying the statistics of how global habitats are being negatively affected resulting in shifting plant and animal ranges.
More frequent and devastating wildfires, longer periods of drought, shrinking glaciers, and vanishing sea ice are all effects scientists had predicted in the past would result from global climate change.
After reading Frost’s poem again recently, it seemed like an omen given the global environmental challenges we face today.
My painting “Fire & Ice” depicting, Masdevalia ignea or the Fire Red Orchid, is a nod to Frost’s artistry and wisdom and my own wake-up call to the world to reign in human desires and care for our natural treasures.”
