“Eighty feet across, and towering four stories above New York’s Union Square, the stark, orange-tinted letters count down the critical time window remaining for humanity to act to save itself and its only home from the ravages of climate chaos.”

https://climateclock.world/story

 

The climate clock is a powerful art instillation as ongoing New Yorkers and tourist can’t help but look at the odd clock that isn’t telling time. When you take a moment to pause and look at it you’ll quickly realize that it is not only just not telling the time but is actually counting down the time humans have left to fix the damage that has been done. I believe the main purpose of this instillation is not only to instill fear but to also give a harsh slap into reality as many talk of climate change as a conspiracy that is not actively happening. Being forced to google, “what is the clock counting down for in union square?” can leave any person with a sour taste as you may have approached the clock with wonder on its significance but didn’t realize you’ll be faced with an active dilemma. It is easy as humans to he selfish and only care about the things that directly impact us, this clock reminds you that despite you having your own story, you are a part of a much bigger one: the story of the human race. Despite how different we may be from each other, we are all occupying a sole planet: Earth. As easy it is to care for yourself, it must come easy to us to care for our home before it is too late.

The climate clock may feel like a countdown to our impending doom, however, it can also be viewed as a symbol of hope. We still have time. Despite it counting down it is a still a reminder that we have time to reverse the effects, to make a change for the future of humanity on Earth. Personally, any time I walk past it I linger around a bit, processing the information and hoping that others take a moment out of their busy lives to understand and process this piece of art.