Margaret Drysdale
The Air We Breathe
I grew up in rural Scotland and I miss the fresh air and the open spaces that I used to take for granted. Taking things for granted is not unusual so for International Women’s Day I ask for us all to #ChooseToChallenge the status quo. I love trees and forests. They have a beauty and serenity that helps to boost wellbeing. They are also essential to the wellbeing of the planet.
Scotland used to have vast forests. Then we had the Highland clearances, where a few big landowners decided that sheep were commercially more viable than people. To make way for sheep and then later shooting estates for grouse and deer, the forests in Scotland were decimated. Deforestation has continued unabated across the world. The main reason for deforestation is for commercial purposes. This has a massive impact, not just locally where the forests are being cut down destroying the lives of indigenous people and wildlife, but a massive impact on the environment creating global warming and an increase in wild fires and flooding.
My exhibition is also in recognition of the Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg who individually challenges world leaders to take immediate action to address the current inaction before we lose what we all hold so dear.
Scotland used to have vast forests. Then we had the Highland clearances, where a few big landowners decided that sheep were commercially more viable than people. To make way for sheep and then later shooting estates for grouse and deer, the forests in Scotland were decimated. Deforestation has continued unabated across the world. The main reason for deforestation is for commercial purposes. This has a massive impact, not just locally where the forests are being cut down destroying the lives of indigenous people and wildlife, but a massive impact on the environment creating global warming and an increase in wild fires and flooding.
My exhibition is also in recognition of the Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg who individually challenges world leaders to take immediate action to address the current inaction before we lose what we all hold so dear.
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