We have previously reported that on 30 November 2022, a giant clock was on display in Prague’s Letná Park, counting down to the time we have left to stop the turning point of irreversible climate change. This article presents the background of the global project behind this act, called the Climate Clock.
Introduction: The Urgency of Climate Change
Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and the consequences of inaction are becoming increasingly clear. Rising temperatures, melting ice caps, and extreme weather events are just a few of the symptoms of a planet in crisis. In response to this urgent challenge, a group of activists and scientists have created the Climate Clock – a powerful tool to raise awareness and inspire action on climate change.
What is the Climate Clock?
The Climate Clock is a digital clock that displays the amount of time we have left until we reach critical climate thresholds. It was created by artists Gan Golan and Andrew Boyd, in collaboration with climate scientists and activists. The clock is displayed on a large screen in New York City’s Union Square, and is also available online for anyone to view.
The clock displays two key metrics: the amount of time until we reach 1.5 degrees Celsius of global warming, and the amount of time until we reach a carbon budget of 420 gigatons of CO2 emissions. The first metric is based on the goals of the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The second metric represents the amount of CO2 emissions we can still emit before we exceed the 1.5 degree limit.
Time is Running Out: The Countdown on the Climate Clock
As of the writing of this article, the Climate Clock shows that we have approximately 7 years, 304 days, 17 hours, and 35 minutes until we exceed the carbon budget of 420 gigatons. This may seem like a long time, but it’s important to remember that every day of inaction brings us closer to the point of no return.
The Climate Clock as a Call to Action
The Climate Clock is more than just a sobering reminder of the urgency of the climate crisis – it’s also a call to action. The creators of the clock hope to inspire individuals, governments, and businesses to take immediate and sustained action to reduce emissions and transition to a more sustainable and just economy. They believe that by raising awareness and creating a sense of urgency, the Climate Clock can help mobilize the kind of collective action we need to save our planet.
The Global Impact of the Climate Clock
The project has already garnered attention from around the world, and has been replicated in cities like Berlin and Santiago. It has also inspired other forms of climate activism, such as the Climate Strike movement and the Green New Deal. By raising awareness and inspiring action, the Climate Clock is helping to build a global movement for climate justice and a sustainable future.
The Climate Clock is a powerful symbol of the urgent need to take action on climate change. It reminds us that every second counts, and that we must act decisively and urgently to reduce emissions and build a more sustainable future. We cannot afford to delay or ignore the warning signs any longer – the time to act is now.
Taking Action: How You Can Help
If you would like to donate to the project, you can do so here: https://actionnetwork.org/fundraising/support-climate-clock/
If you want to spread the word about the project vitually, you can put a digital clock on your website using a widget, or talk about it on social media (in this case good to know that the official hashtags of the project are #ActInTime and #ClimateClock).
It is also possible to request a smaller clock to be set up in schools, universities, and workplaces; but if you feel like DIY, you can make your own with the help of this Maker Instruction video:
