Here Brian somewhat reflects on what seasonally happens to his canal as a result of the algal blooms that continue to negatively impact Florida’s marine ecosystems. Algal blooms down in South Florida are primarily caused by a combination of nutrient pollution and favorable environmental conditions. Excess nutrients, mainly nitrogen and phosphorus, enter water bodies through various sources such as agricultural runoff, urban stormwater, and wastewater discharges. More notably, the debates surrounding the runoffs from Lake Okeechobee directly revolve around these processes. Essentially, these excess nutrients act as a fertilizer for algae, fueling their rapid growth. When coupled with warm temperatures, stagnant water, and abundant sunlight, the conditions become ideal for algal blooms to occur. In particular, harmful algal blooms like red tide can release toxins that harm marine life and pose risks to human health. The occurrence of algal blooms underscores the importance of effective nutrient management, conservation practices, and wastewater treatment to mitigate nutrient pollution and protect the delicate balance of South Florida’s aquatic ecosystems.

In essence, this is Brian’s point of view with regard to his daily life and how such environmental challenges like algal blooms shape his experience. Living in South Florida over the summer, Brian has witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of algal blooms on the region’s waterways. Evidently, these harmful blooms disrupt the delicate balance of marine ecosystems depicted in his image. Undoubtedly this environmental problem affects both aquatic life and the communities that live on these waters as a collective.

With a change of scenery to a more urban area where Brian works, it is evident that the pollution in the form of littering is what caught Brian’s attention here. The thoughtlessness of those who discarded their trash in such a careless manner stands in this image. What strikes Brian the most is the undeniable fact that it wouldn’t have necessarily been an inconvenience to pick up the loose trash and throw it away at the nearby dumpster. The presence of a convenient solution to the litter problem amplifies the frustration and disappointment he feels. It highlights the disregard for the environment and the lack of personal responsibility that can be found in our society. At that moment, Brian becomes aware of the power of individual actions and the need for people to take ownership of their impact on the environment.

This directly relates to the concept of Environmental Justice, (seen in Module 4), “the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, sex, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.” The reading also highlights that “proponents of environmental justice generally view the environment as encompassing where we live, work, and play, pray and learn.” In this very instance, Brian’s concern stems from the blatant disregard for the environment in the urban area where he works, reflecting a potential disparity in the application and enforcement of environmental regulations. This takeaway reinforces the importance of striving for effective environmental practices, where everyone has the opportunity to live in a clean and healthy environment, free from pollution and littering.

Ultimately Brian’s last photo serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness between human progress and its impact on the environment. The powerlines stretching into the horizon symbolize the pervasive presence of our infrastructure–which we tend to take for granted in our daily lives. Through this image, Brian prompts us to reflect on the potential consequences of our reliance on such infrastructure and raises crucial questions about the long-term sustainability of our technological advancements. By challenging us to consider how our choices today might shape the environment of tomorrow, Brian’s thought-provoking conclusion implores us to prioritize our responsibilities regarding preserving the environment for the benefit of both present and future generations.