Human Influence

Human Influence is a piece displaying coral reef degradation caused by humans. When learning about hyperbolic math and its modeling through crochet in the beginning of the school year, we were inspired to put our own spin on a crochet reef by focusing on portraying the reality of pollution and how it is affecting the Earth’s masterpieces. This topic is especially appropriate following the recent advent of tourism to Cuba and how quickly this influx of people destroyed their previously pristine reefs. By crocheting our own reef we studied different types of corals and their ecosystems, especially focusing on the loss of those environments. The three main causes of ecosystem destruction to coral reefs, bleaching, algal dominance, and plastic pollution, are all caused by humans and thus all appear in our crochet reef. With this project we hope to raise awareness of the negative impacts that humans can have on their environment, both directly and indirectly, as well as try to inspire others to make better decisions and protect our world.