Deborah & David

The Lemon Challenge

The collaboration between artist Deborah Hewson and scientist David Kelleghan invites you to think big and act small to influence the future in a positive way. 

Show Your Lemon Face highlights ocean acidification, sometimes called osteoporosis of the sea. Participants pledge one small act to reduce their carbon emissions and challenge friends to do the same.  They then, bite a lemon wedge and share their image/video on social media with the tag #showyourlemonface.

The production of greenhouse gases such as CO₂ is accelerating climate change. We are all active participants in this universal process. This project’s scientific paper (available here) highlights the need to both manage natural resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. If we ever expect to see a positive change, we must take action now before it’s too late.

The oceans contain 96.5% of the earth’s available water. Consider then, their influence on everyday life as they ebb and flow. They contribute to the air we breathe, provide us with food and regulate our climate.

One of their many functions is the absorption of carbon dioxide (CO₂). Increasing levels of CO₂ from human activity alters their chemistry. This in combination with other impacts from increased CO₂ can have serious consequences for ocean life.