Melissa Lynn

Code Red

My Code Red photography series responds to the global climate crisis and puts a spotlight on earth’s mass species extinction. The images reflect humanity’s impact on nature and serve as a call to action to help save our planet’s biodiversity. The rate of species extinction is accelerating due to climate change, pollution, habitat loss, and poaching. I utilize the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List to determine which plants and animals are considered vulnerable, endangered, and critically endangered. Scientific research documents that climate change has led to an increase in wildfire season length, frequency, and burn areas across the western United States. Heat waves can exacerbate droughts and wildfires and my images depict some of the consequences of a warming planet. My art process illustrates our deteriorating and polluted environment through experimental techniques applied to my own photographs. The series also emphasizes conservation efforts and our interrelationship with nature. I hope there will be transformative changes through collective action to ensure a sustainable world for present and future generations. A portion of all print sales will be donated to non-profit groups making a positive difference in nature conservation and preservation.