COP23: Art against climate change
At the UN climate summit in Bonn, negotiators are discussing goals, funding and measures to slow global warming. But it's not all talk — artists and activists have channeled their creativity into the call for action.
All in this together
Frank Bainimarama, prime minister of COP23 host country Fiji, appealed to delegates from 196 countries in the summit's opening ceremony: "We have to sail together, with one collective will, to reach our goals." Summit participants are reminded of the sentiment whenever they pass by this original Fijian canoe.
Talanoa - a respectful exchange of ideas
At COP23, Fiji is encouraging everyone to remain open-minded. "We want to lead talks with our Talanoa spirit of understanding and respect," Bainimarama said. His country's pavilion is decked out with traditional furniture and plants, encouraging visitors to stay a while and get into the Talanoa mindset — a Pacific island tradition of open communication.
Global crochet
Developing countries are hit hardest by climate change — particularly their indigenous peoples. At COP23, delegates from across the world hope to establish rules to protect them from devastating consequences of global warming. This tipi in the Rheinaue, the park in Bonn where COP23 takes place, is also a global effort. It's made up of hundreds of squares crocheted by people from around the world.
The polar bears' sad fate
Animals suffer from climate change too. Drought, floods and storms destroy their natural habitats. The most emblematic example is the sad fate of polar bears. Due to global warming, the ice is melting from beneath their paws, as highlighted by this statue of an impaled polar bear at COP23.
Our friends, the trees
Forests are crucial to the climate. Each year, they absorb millions of tons of CO2 from the atmosphere. Activists from the German Forests Association who want the woods better protected have brought this art project to Bonn. Over the course of the summit, it will grow into an 8-meter tree with a globe on top.
The world in peril
The goal of the Paris Climate Agreement is to keep global warming to under 2 degrees Celsius. Today, people are already suffering the consequences of climate change, like droughts and extreme weather events. At the "Climate Planet" in Bonn, visitors can learn about climate change and how it affects them. The 20-meter-tall globe was thought up by Germany's Development Ministry.
China and India catching up
In the long run, renewable energy is supposed to replace fossil fuels. Each country is setting its own rules for when this has to happen. After China and the US, India is the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases. While the US wants to pull out of the climate agreement, China and India are doubling down on climate action. India is showing off its ambition in its country pavilion.
Taking climate action to the streets
Climate activists are calling for urgent divestment from coal. Before and during COP23, many of them have been protesting for a rapid end of our fossil fuel dependency. Thousands of people have already taken to the streets in Bonn and the Bonn Theater is showcasing protestors' anger and demands in an exhibition of protest posters.
Costumes for climate
At one rally in the run-up to COP23, protestors wore costumes and masks. One of their biggest targets was US President Donald Trump. The US is the only country in the world to want out of the Paris Agreement. That's a decision that's likely to hurt polar bears — the real ones, not these costumed fellows.