The Intersection of Art, Science, and Climate Action at COP28 in Dubai
A city embodying a modern paradox, with a population of 3 million today - compared to a mere 20,000 just 75 years ago, Dubai stands as a vibrant testament to progress. Fuelled by energy-intensive desalination of seawater and anchored in the controversy of the United Arab Emirates' oil and gas industry, Dubai is host to the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference, known as COP28.
Expo City in Dubai burst into life on November 30th, as a diverse array of people converged to share their rich cultural perspectives on climate change. While the primary focus remained on negotiations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address the impacts on those most affected, the event showcased art installations and nature-inspired designs within the 'blue zone' reserved for government dignitaries and observers.
The Intersection of Art, Science, and Climate Action at COP28 in Dubai
Among the captivating displays was the Passage of Water, an art installation that engaged all the senses. Visitors entered through a spiralling passage reminiscent of a Nautilus shell, expressing the mathematical elegance of the Fibonacci sequence found throughout nature. The walls depicted a visual narrative of water as the source of life and its degradation, backed by NASA satellite data. At the core of the spiral, an inner chamber offered respite from the conference's intensity, featuring calming music and gentle lighting. Projected imagery of water invited participants to interact with a learning game, creating an immersive experience that left a profound impact.
Dr. Yiyun Kang, the acclaimed Korean media artist from the Korean Institute of Science and Engineering, collaborated with Google Arts and Culture and NASA to craft this interactive exhibit. Kang's vision aimed to disrupt binary thinking that separates humans from non-human while serving as a translator between art and science. She believed that art possesses the transformative power to change hearts and minds, offering a unique perspective that could pave the way towards a sustainable future.
As COP28 unfolds, the hope is that world leaders will rise above vested interests and actively work towards a collective commitment to ensure a sustainable future. Let this conference not become an epitaph for generations yet to come, but rather a turning point where the intersection of art, science, and global cooperation charts a path towards lasting change.
For more information on Passage of Water: https://g.co/culturemeetsclimate
