We Don’t Have Time Climate Conference

6B2

On April 22nd I tuned in online to watch the climate conference in Sweden, 'We Don't Have Time' - 

Here are my notes & research links.

We Don’t Have Time Climate Conference
The conference was streamed live around the world, so I was able to listen whilst completely extended practice work.
Link: https://togetherwearethesolution.confetti.events/onlineviewer

Summary:

"What we need: a combination of boots-on-the-ground protests and social network platforms... We have to work harder and be more cohesive" to face our climate and environmental challenges - our President @Kathleenedn at the #WeDontHaveTime conf for #EarthDay

”Individual action and collective action are not mutually exclusive.
We can cut our carbon footprint and also fight for structural change.” says @tessakhan at #WeDontHaveTime Climate Conference#EarthDay

"Our mission is to diversify the movement…" We need to make environment, climate, energy top issues worldwide - our @Kathleenedn at #WeDontHaveTime conf for #EarthDay, announcing our #VoteEarth campaign

"You have the moral obligation to fight #climatechange. You can do it!" - @Team54Projects at the #WeDontHaveTime climate conference.#EarthDay

We must stand together if we want to get anywhere. - EDN's @Nick_Nuttall at the #WeDontHaveTime climate conf, adding he's cautiously optimistic that we have the beginnings of a citizen's movement like we had in 1970 with the first #EarthDay

Our money matters: Why are we not investing all our money in the new economy? It can't just be corporate -- it has to be investors as well. -- @Nick_Nuttall at the #wedonthavetime climate conf for #EarthDay

"You are part of the problem. In order to fight #climatechange we need to change our economic system."

“Don’t talk about growth, talk about balance.”@KateRaworth shows that countries are nowhere near meeting people needs while remaining within the planetary boundaries - we are, in fact, all developing countries.

The 2 main obstacles to #ZeroCarbon? According to Prof. Jeffrey Sachs:
Most politicians don’t know solutions are already available.
Corruption - from oil, gas & coal industries.

"We need everyone on board." Good insights from @Team54Projects at the #WeDontHaveTime climate conf, about helping communities activate citizens, starting with a better understanding of science. #ActOnClimate

We need to improve our communications to make the public understand that climate change impacts us all. Our leaders must follow the science and understand that there are solutions. (And we need to elect leaders committed to acting on climate!)

Communicating through art and connecting the dots: Live panel hearing about filmmakers, authors, jewelry designers, photographers, artists engaging the public.

Klaus Thymann - Photographer

PROJECT PRESSURE

- need for a visualisation of climate change that had a little bit of hope and an inspirational touch point, in order to engage with a depressing subject in a positive way 

art can make people feel - capture emotions 

best way of visualising climate change - glaciers - landscape art / glacier recession is 100% attributed to CC - broad category within the art spectrum 

Make the unpalatable palatable  - take the facts and turn it into a story - use the facts as building blocks for something that people can digest 

the more you bombard people with raw data the less they will be receptive to it 

Art is a way of presenting that in a way that people can take on and understand 

- it is happening now - exponential time exclamation - need to take drastic steps now - industries needs to change  

Åsa Elmstam 

- in 2007 realised the climate crisis and got depression 

- could not continue producing things to a society that didn't need any more things to produce

- had to use her skills and craft to communicate and visualise the worlds problems instead of her own way

- now uses her craft skills to communicate broadly to the public 

Pop culture:

Blockbuster movies: Interstellar - 0.1c warming 

David Attennborough - plastic bag ban 

The Shape of progress in the 21st century

Extinction Rebellion: Worldwide Student Protest

6B2
Following my investigation into COP3, I have been a participating member of the Leeds branch of the 'Extinction Rebellion' group, attending their meetings every Monday at 8:30pm. 

My conclusion to the COP3 investigation was that we were going to see a rise in Civil Disobedient, especially creative forms of such protest. And following the events of this Easter, that is exactly what we have seen - with carefully curated and successful protests that now have leaders of Extinction Rebellion in talks with Secretary of State for Environment and the Mayor of London. I believe, this is due to a saturated social media platform that allows for greater transparency of those in power, as well as providing a forum for discussion outside of the tainted and regimented News platforms.

These acts of civil disobedience call for immediate action on addressing the climate catastrophe of now. The point of this particular protest focused on the children whose futures are the ones on the line. The idea was that nothing else is more important that implementing legislation that does not favour the TNCs - why should students be studying when their future is not guaranteed? And who is going to fight against the actions taking place that benefit only those making the decisions? 

'Tens of thousands of people in more than 33 countries across six continents will stage a global rebellion to raise the alarm about the Climate and Ecological Emergency that could signal the extinction of the human race if we don’t actGroups across the world will disrupt ‘business as usual’. Ordinary citizens, terrified by the threat we all face to our future, will risk arrest and imprisonment by blocking bridges, roads, harbours and transport systems. Die-ins, cry-ins, funerals, banner drops, ‘blood’ spilling, art and theatre will be part of a festival of global protest' - Extinction Rebellion

The event included a march around town, followed by speeches from an array of talkers. This included 15 year old school kids, to lecturers of Geography from Leeds Uni, and EXR organisers. The following events in London included 24-hour blockages of the main bridges in central London, where instead of traffic, people brought plants to fill the bridge, and celebrated with music and dance to make their point. 

Overall, the entire organisation are amazing. The people working behind the scenes are inspiring and passionate, articulate and creative, and most importantly the group relies on grassroots support which is a huge part of its success in bringing about social and ecological justice. 

Additionally the sign designs are a great part of the protest culture. This was therefore a relevant opportunity to design some protest signs that communicate the message of the protest.

Some great signs from the global protest:

16 year-old Greta Thunberg's inspiring speech:
https://www.ted.com/talks/greta_thunberg_the_disarming_case_to_act_right_now_on_climate?language=en

Task Three: You've got real mail

6B2, 6C2, 6D2

Cover Letter

Work Experience - (Fail) 

Following the session I organised an online portfolio and sent it specially curated for the relevant contact at Good Agency, London. 

Good Agency is a strategy and creative agency, who's projects heavily focus on social and environmental welfare. 

'We build purpose into brands and activate them brilliantly, internally and externally. We fundraise, engage, campaign and convince. We work above, below and through the line to answer the challenges that a changing world sets our clients.

We’re an award-winning, full-service, independent agency of 50-plus brilliant, purpose-driven people. We have over 20 years’ experience. And we only work with brands and people we believe in.'

I am motivated by design with a purpose, especially campaign design. I also really liked that they have a vegetarian office. The Good Agency seemed like a perfect place for me to do my work experience, so that I could see if this is the sort of design I want to focus on progressing in after my degree. It took me a whole day to curate a portfolio that was best suited to their styles, after researching their work in depth. I was overjoyed when I got a reply that seemed like a confirmation I could get experience with the company in March/April time.

Accordingly I stopped looking elsewhere and focused on the rest of my 603 work. After exchanging a few emails, and still not hearing back from the contact I became more hesitant. I did not want to seem too pushy, as she explained she would be getting back to me when the creative director returned from his holiday. However, after what seemed like an initial nice exchange, I was completely ignored. 

Ironic with the name of the company. This was really deflating and took up a lot of time that could have be spent looking elsewhere. By the time it was obvious that the placement would not be happening, I had little time left in-between my practice to search for another opportunity that I particularly wanted. Nonetheless, it was good insight into professional correspondence, and taught me nothing is set in stone until contracted, which is an important lesson to learn for the professional sphere. 

Correspondence:

To which I got no reply, ever.

HAWRAF: Business Strategy & Pricing Insight

6A2, 6B2

The Hawraf resource of the ins-and-outs of a business provided a unique insight into industry. The depth of research and admin necessary to run a design business was initially shocking, and that was before what they charge was noted. Their ideology to be transparent was something that I found really admirable. This openness is something I wish to achieve in my practice, as a lot of my ideology is in revealing the design process so creatives are better understood in this linear, knowledge-based, western society. 

I love how real and down to earth this is. Shows a lot about their character, encourages people to want to work with them as they are playful and energetic. They are serious about work and show that people grow apart and not to hold onto something that doesn't feel right anymore - people grow in different directions accept and embrace!

Comical, lo-fi and useful - easy visualisation of the creative process - its important to take on projects that are exciting and beneficial and don't hold you back (especially new businesses trying to gather their tone of voice)

starter pack for design businesses - I will be ordering some of these supplies

Noted: the change in their manifesto from first to last year - what this may expose about industry, their development, their meets with clients. Experience somewhat condenses the goals into more achievable and realistic ones. 

- Manifesto
- Statement of Intent
- How to post on social media
- How to price your work

How one interacts on social media - creating a buzz about shutting down 

Newletter layouts / ideas - exposure

Statement of intent

writing about your own company 

It was useful and shocking to see how they price their time and work. This has definitely given me a lot more confidence in what I can ask clients for. This all comes down to knowing your worth, and believing your practice is as relevant as any other. 

pricing