Coming Clean at COP21

Alongside news-reports following the progress of negotiations at COP21 in Paris this week, the importance of ‘what happens in the crowded and sweaty streets’ has featured heavily (Mott, 2015).

I’m sure you’re aware of the “Brandalism” project that occurred in Paris? Well if not, Paris was decorated with 600 posters mocking companies who have – seemingly overnight – turned from climate change nightmares to solution champions.

Figure 1) Examples of the 600 pieces of satirical artwork decorating Paris (Jobson, 2015)

In attempt to ‘challenge the corporate takeover of the Paris climate talks’, artists have unveiled the “greenwashing” effect of companies who have used their links to COP21 ‘as a form of marketing’; hiding their true colours and contribution to the state of the world’s climate from the public eye (Jobson, 2015)(Griffin, 2015).

Not anymore.

Writing for the Independent, Griffin (2015) states that through the power of satirical imagery in public space, the artists have ‘call[ed] out their lies and spok[en] truth to power’.

Although I can – as I’m sure you can too – identify with the concerns of these artists and empathise with their clear opinions, I must criticise this action.

What good is negative imagery going to do?

We’re meant to be encouraging public imagination for a sustainable planet. Yes, there are various companies that have contributed significantly to the present condition of the climate, however surely their support and inclusion in talks can only be a step towards a greener future?

Having said that, I think that public activism and inclusion in COP21 is paramount and agree 100% that international climate talks are most definitely a domestic dilemma.

‘We cannot leave the climate talks in the hands of politicians and corporate lobbyists who created this mess in the first place’

            ~ Griffin (2015)

Criticising COP21 talks and predicting their ineffectiveness, Mott (2015) highlights how public voices ‘have been squashed’ after the French government ‘banned public protests, marches, and rallies’ following Paris’ terror attacks. The public are reclaiming space through artwork and leaving 10,000 empty shoes in the space the climate march would have been, as a way of reminding the state that it is within the public realm that ‘new forms of democracy, organization, and inclusion are enacted, that new ideas are tested and voiced, and risks are taken’.

Figure 2) 10,000 empty shoes left in the space the climate march would have taken place

I urge the state to acknowledge just how powerful the people can be, how valuable our opinions are, and recognise that we have the ultimate power to enact change on an international scale.

When dealing with a global dilemma such as climate change, public inclusion must be fought for. After all, it’s us that climate change effects, and us that will ultimately “foot the bill”.