Sustainability, living in harmony with the natural processes of the planet, is the central challenge of the Twenty First Century. No part of that challenge is more pivotal than addressing climate change, the alteration of earth’s climate dynamics. In order for climate change to be effectively addressed, clear and poignant communication needs to be utilized to promote an understanding of the issues in a way that is expressive through means not limited to a strictly scientific discourse. As part of these efforts, The Cooper Union Institute for Sustainable Design sponsored a student fellowship program to support recipients in their pursuit of scientific and visual research on a chosen symptom of climate change. Visualizing Climate Change displays the student fellows’ work, as well as a CUISD project and the work of contributing artist, Melissa Fleming.

Each project investigates a specific phenomenon related to climate change, rooted in a distinct locale, and its effects on geography, economics, security, and/or social stability. In doing so, emphasis rests upon clear and creative modes of visual communication. Each exhibited work seeks to conflate the bounds of science, art, architecture and engineering in order to provide fresh insight, expression and understanding around specific issues of climate change.

The exhibition is free and open to the public.

The opening reception will be held from 7:00-8:30pm in the 7th Floor Lobby of The Cooper Union Foundation Building.

Preceding the reception is a talk titled, The Art and Science of Climate Change, given by contributing artist, Melissa Fleming. This lecture will explore how art can help broaden the public conversation and create a new pathway to understanding this critical issue. It will introduce the basic science of climate change and explore how artists from around the globe are reacting to its impacts and possible solutions.

Co-sponsored with the SciArt Center, the talk will be held in room 715 of The Cooper Union Foundation Building at 6pm on November 16, space is limited. To attend the talk, please RSVP to isd@cooper.edu.