An out of this world climate change exhibition took hold of Southwark Cathedral in the form of a seven-metre diameter globe featuring detailed NASA imagery.
Artist Luke Jerram’s iconic piece, Gaia, is presented as part of the cathedral’s Climate Justice Fortnight in partnership with the international development agency, Christian Aid.
The climate change exhibition aims to inspire visitors to take positive action in protecting our planet against climate change by creating a sense of the Overview Effect, commonly experienced by astronauts who are overwhelmed by the beauty of our planet.
Chief Executive of Christian Aid Patrick Watt said: “Climate change is something which affects us all but the harshest effects are felt by the most vulnerable communities who have done the least to contribute to the problem.
“It’s so encouraging to attend events such as this which give people the opportunity to learn more about climate justice, and discover the actions they can take.
“Whether that’s supporting international projects, reducing our own carbon footprint, or urging decision makers to make the UK’s biggest polluters pay for the damage they cause, we can all find a way to make a difference.”
Further immersing visitors in the experience is a specially-made surround-sound composition by Dan Jones, a BAFTA award-winning composer.
Alongside the climate change exhibition, the fortnight also featured an evening of jazz music with jazz club Ronnie Scott’s regulars The Leo Richardson Quartet and a family event with astronomer Tom Kerss.
Christian Aid also ran two free workshops, the first on 17 October, on how to engage with local MPs about issues which matter to members of their communities.
The second, ‘Communities on the Frontline: Addressing the Global Climate Emergency’, took place on 31 October, and explored how people can collectively learn and respond to the climate change crisis.
Visitors were able to experience the climate change exhibition in action until 2 November.
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