Florida is home to some of the most diverse and beautiful marine ecosystems in the country, from its coastal waters and lakes to its marshes, wetlands, and springs, each brimming with biodiversity. Florida’s unique geography has made it a favorite destination for scientists and nature enthusiast alike to learn more about these aquatic ecosystems and the animals that live in them.
However, in recent years Florida’s waters have been under serious threat from agricultural and industrial pollution due to increases in population, construction, and urban development. This has caused concern for the well-being of these fragile ecosystems, which are being deeply affected by these rapid changes. This trend does not just apply to Florida though; as more places begin to develop without regard for the natural world, their ecological communities are being destroyed. Florida serves as a tragic and powerful example of what is happening to aquatic systems in other places around the world.
These elements are all explored in Lynne Buchanan’s new book, “Florida’s Changing Waters: A Beautiful World in Peril,” which came out this year. Though her work is place-specific, the book reveals the interconnected nature of environmental problems such as pollution and climate change. These issues don’t follow borders or boundaries—they are affecting the whole planet.
“Buchanan’s photographs invite viewers to consider their personal relationship to water and encourage better stewardship of this vital––and finite––resource. They are also a call to action to find more effective ways to preserve these waterways for both their natural beauty and essential role in our survival.”
Lynne Buchanan’s award-winning photographs have been featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions. She holds an M. A. in art history/museum studies from George Washington University in Washington, D.C., a B. A. in art history from New College in Sarasota, Florida, and an M. A. in creative writing from the University of South Florida in Tampa. Her website, www.lynnebuchanan.com, features her photographs and environmental writing.
Source: George F. Thompson Publishing
