IN PHOTOS: Paris, je t’aime, art is all around at climate talks

PARIS, France – Paris, je t’aime. (Paris, I love you.)

How do you fall in love with the climate advocacy? Through art, Parisians prove.

During the climate negotiations, various art exhibits have been popping around Paris. Some are more traditional like sculptures and paintings of clouds and trees. Others are more shocking such as depictions of a rhinoceros split in half.

Take a look at some of the highlights of the city of love’s take on climate change:

1. Virtual reality

What better way to discuss a complex issue like climate change than to put yourself inside it? Various organizations tested virtual reality headsets in exhibits on the sidelines of the Paris climate talks. 

The virtual tours are educational, ranging from the possibilities of using solar energy, climate basics, up to a 360-degree view of the snow mountains.

2. Provocative images

Exhibits at the COP 21 Solutions side event showcase various innovators finding ways to make the world’s services and industries more environmentally friendly.

Paris highlights the cross-overs of science, art, and technology all in the name of fighting climate change.

3. Toys with meaning

Although climate negotiations are serious and stocked with heavy political and technical discussions, an element of fun and play still surrounds the affair.

4. Future of transportation

Paris is experimenting with new ways to get around faster, easier, and cleaner. From electric tuk-tuks and pedicabs, compact electric cars, to recycled bicycles, the Parisians know how to move efficiently and are maximizing available technology.

5. Odd with a kick

 

“The general message is we have to look after our planet. It’s our collective job to look after the Earth, and that is the atmosphere here in Paris as well,” Liselotte Roosen of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology told Rappler.

Roosen’s group is among the many partners of ArtCOP21, a global collaboration of 34 countries featuring over 290 major art events from various artists and advocates.

In Paris alone, there are several ArtCOP21 sights to enjoy. Among them is the Climats Artificiels exhibit at the Espace Fondation, which aims to bridge the gap of understanding between ordinary people and climate change.

“Art is a very effective medium to promote climate [advocacy] because art provides and image and a story to people. A story about what we can do and about how severe the situation is,” Roosen explained.

“[Art] makes people think about it, making them wonder what they can do individually about this problem,” she added.

The climate negotiations are expected to come to a close by the end of the week, but the climate art scene in Paris would probably live on and on beyond the controversial talks, inspiring people to act now. – Rappler.com