(1) While art can stir up a sense of beauty in us, it can also draw a spirited reaction from the public. This emotional response can lead people to reflect deeply on issues they might otherwise overlook. An excellent artistic piece can communicate a message to us and even change our ways of looking at our surroundings. By challenging our perceptions, art encourages us to see familiar things in a new light. That is why art has played an essential role in addressing social and global issues throughout history. Artists often use their work as a platform to raise awareness and inspire change. Let us take a look at a few modern artworks that address environmental issues.

(2) The first art piece is a photograph by Benjamin Von Wong. His artworks rally people around environmental actions. In the photo on the left, titled Turn Off the Plastic Tap, he tries to highlight the fact that a huge amount of plastic enters the ocean every minute. He says, "You can't order a product online without having it delivered in plastic packaging. Also, the clothes you are wearing must be, at least in part, made of plastic. Dependence on plastic is built into the supply chain, so the individual consumer finds it harder and harder to opt out. Of course, you can choose not to purchase products containing plastic, but that only goes so far. I think it is important for you to inform your friends and family of the issue because at the end of the day, you know, companies and governments can't ignore the interest of the consumers. At the same time, we also need to pressure governments and corporations to do the right thing."

(3) The next piece, titled Forget Me Not, is Jenny Kendler's personal love letter to the sea. She covered an old boom box with various shells, which took her a year to collect. The boom box plays something you may regard as calming ocean sounds. They are actually what she recorded as she had one of her baby teeth dissolve in acid. She wanted us to think of what sea creatures might go through one day if we continue burning fossil fuels carelessly. As the ocean absorbs more and more carbon dioxide, it becomes more and more acidic. Under this condition, the hard shells of many marine species will dissolve. Kendler says, "I wanted to inspire people to raise their own awareness about what they can actually do as individuals, but at the same time, I hoped to encourage collective action and collective responsibility. One thing that art can do really well is to help us imagine how the world might be otherwise. Certainly, we can't get to a different place if we can't imagine it."

(4) The piece below, titled Homestead, is a painting by Jon Ching. Most of his work, including this painting, is a celebration of nature and a quiet appeal to humans to appreciate the world around them. "I believe we've separated ourselves from nature and no longer see how we fit in. Instead of helping nature thrive, we are simply consuming it," says Ching. One cannot help but smile at his paintings, which are rich in color and tenderness. One of the fun aspects of his work is how he blends the features of one life form with those of another. "I've been using my work as a means of commenting on issues and problems I'm heavily interested in. I find it necessary to express a silver lining rather than just reflect on what's wrong. I want to show that everything is connected and that protecting nature is actually protecting us. My call to action is to remember the magic and wonder of this planet."

(5) Art can strike up conversations about the environment, but more importantly, it can also make a great difference by inspiring us to take action. This impact is especially significant in today's world, where environmental issues demand urgent attention. The following words from Andy Warhol, an American pop artist, ring especially true in this context. His insight captures the idea that change requires more than just waiting—it requires initiative. "They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself." In other words, art can awaken the sense of responsibility within us. It reminds us that meaningful change often begins with a personal decision to act.