Protesters using thought bubbles on investors and CEOs at a gas industry protest (Philadelphia,2012)
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In Texas, North Dakota, and Pennsylvania, fracking is a particularly widespread practice. It’s also one that’s been proven to release various harmful chemical compounds, all of which cause leukemia, liver damage, eye, nose, and throat irritation, and headaches. In 2012, these health and environmental concerns were central to a significant Shale Gas Outrage protest.

During the week of September 17, 2012, an annual gas convention descended upon Philadelphia. Shale Gas Outrage took advantage of this moment, leading a rally and march outside the conference. While confronting gas industry executives, some activists brilliantly reimagined the conventional protest sign.

Protestors created thought and speech bubble signs, each containing messages that explicitly condemned the environmental and societal impacts of fracking. As soon as investors, CEOs, and other industry executives walked by the convention center, protestors waved these signs close to their heads.

“I make people sick and I don’t care,” one sign reads. “I get rich, you get sick,” another claims. One even asserts, “I’d rather be rich than raise healthy kids.”

Unlike more traditional signs, these bubbles directly implicated executives in the devastations caused by fracking. Faceless corporations suddenly transformed into a host of influential people, each of whom financially benefited from the gas industry’s attendant hazards.

“That’s creative and peaceful protesting,” one user commented on a Reddit post about the signs.

Over 10 years later, this clever tactic retains its relevance, showcasing the potential of creativity in protests. Even today, these thought and speech bubbles continue to generate awareness about the energy sector and its countless ramifications upon Pennsylvanian communities.

In 2012, during a gas industry convention in Philadelphia, Shale Gas Outrage activists reimagined the traditional protest sign.

 

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Protestors designed speech and thought bubble signs and held them next to gas industry executives to highlight their role in climate and health crises across Pennsylvania.

Each sign contains messages that explicitly condemn the environmental and societal impacts of fracking and the gas industry as a whole.

Sources: Protesters using thought bubbles on investors and CEOs at a gas industry protest (Philadelphia, 2012); Shale Gas Outrage: Organizers See Civil Disobedience on the Horizon; Shale Gas Outrage: Join the rally against fracking

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READ: Activists Use Speech Bubble Signs Highlighting the Role Gas Execs Play in Climate Change & Health Issues

Photo: kasto/Depositphotos

Scandinavia is known for its eco-friendly efforts, but Norway is really taking the lead when it comes to cutting motor emissions. According to recent data collected by the Norwegian Road Federation (OFV), almost nine out of 10 new cars sold in 2024 were fully electric. That’s 88.9%, up from 82.4% in 2023, showing how committed Norway is to going green on the roads.

With a population of just 5.5 million, Norway has embraced electric vehicles (EVs) faster than any other country. EVs now account for almost a third of all on Norwegian roads, and in Oslo, nearly every other car on the road is electric, setting the global standard for a sustainable future.

According to OFV, the top electric passenger cars of 2024 include Tesla Model Y, Volvo EX30, and Volkswagen ID.4. Christina Bu, head of the Norwegian Electric Vehicle Association says, “Norway will be the first country in the world to pretty much erase petrol and diesel engine cars from the new car market.”

Norway hasn’t banned petrol and diesel cars, but the country does impose high taxes on their purchase. Meanwhile, electric cars are exempt from VAT and import taxes, making “zero emissions” even more appealing. Making the decision to switch is also more convenient, since many Norwegian car dealerships only offer electric vehicles and most fuel stations have replaced petrol pumps with charging stalls.

Norway is ahead of the curve with plans for all new cars sold to be electric by 2025. Impressively, this goal will likely be reached well before the European Union’s target to ban the sale of new fossil-fuel cars by 2035.

Find out more about the data collected by the Norwegian Road Federation.

In 2024, electric vehicles made up 89% of new car sales in Norway, making the country a global leader in reducing motor emissions.

Photo: gvictoria/Depositphotos

Source: Norwegian EV market; In Norway, nearly all new cars sold in 2024 were fully electric

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READ: Norway Is Set To Be the First Country in the World to Fully Transition to Electric Vehicles

Photo: John Picken via Wikimedia Commons (CC 2.0)

Each year, approximately 700,000 megawatt hours of electricity are expended to power Chicago’s 411 municipal buildings. The beginning of 2025, however, signaled a major milestone in the city’s efforts toward increased sustainability. As of January 1, all buildings owned and operated by the city are officially powered by 100% renewable energy, including O’Hare International Airport, Harold Washington Library, 98 fire stations, and two of the world’s largest water treatment facilities.

This transition to renewable energy is anticipated to cut Chicago’s carbon emissions by 290,000 metric tons per year—the equivalent, per city officials, of removing 62,000 cars from the road. This extraordinary achievement positions Chicago as one of the largest cities in the U.S. sourcing the power for its operations with renewable, carbon-free energy. It’s also an achievement that has taken nearly a decade to realize.

The effort was originally proposed by then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel in 2017, and, in 2022, his successor Mayor Lori Lightfoot struck a deal with the electricity supplier Constellation. As outlined in the agreement, the city would purchase its energy from the developer Swift Current Energy beginning in 2025. Shortly thereafter, the developer began construction on Double Black Diamond, a massive solar farm in central Illinois.

Today, Double Black Diamond is the largest solar installation east of the Mississippi River at 3,800 acres and 593 megawatts. Now, 70% of Chicago’s renewable energy will be sourced from the farm, while the remaining 30% will come from purchased renewable energy credits.

“That’s really a feature and not a bug of our plan,” Jared Policicchio, Chicago’s deputy chief sustainability officer, told Grist. “Our goal over the next several years is that we reach a point where we’re not buying renewable energy credits.”

According to city officials, the step propels Chicago even closer to the goal of a 62% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 through direct investment and action by the City of Chicago.

“From both an environmental and equity perspective, this is a major achievement for the City,” Angela Tovar, Chicago’s chief sustainability officer and DOE commissioner, says. “As one of the nation’s largest cities, we have a responsibility to lead through climate action that benefits the people and the planet.”

To learn more about Chicago’s energy initiatives, visit the city’s renewable energy page.

Chicago has realized a major sustainability achievement: all of the city's municipal buildings are now powered by 100% renewable energy.

Photo: Yuchien.ning via Wikimedia Commons (CC 4.0)

Chicago's renewable energy is sourced from Double Black Diamond, the largest solar installation plant east of the Mississippi River.

Photo: Andrew Horne via Wikimedia Commons (CC 2.0)

Source: Mayor Brandon Johnson Announces 100% Renewable Energy Milestone For City Of Chicago

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READ: All of Chicago’s Municipal Buildings Are Now Powered by 100% Renewable Energy

Drone footage captures the aftermath of a devastating wildfire that swept through the north and northwest Los Angeles, California

At least 5 people have been killed so far, and more than 70,000 residents have been forced to flee their homes https://t.co/ZB1f3AXsae pic.twitter.com/EzuJw8nHnP

— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) January 9, 2025

As the fires in California continue to rage on, shocking aerial footage has emerged to show the destruction left in its wake. The fires, which began on January 7, have devastated Greater Los Angeles. High winds are expected to return this week, which has caused grave issues for the firefighters battling the flames.

In the six days since the fires began, 100,000 people have been forced to evacuate their homes, and thousands have lost their homes in the fires. It can be difficult to grasp the aftermath of a natural disaster of this magnitude, which has burned over 10,000 buildings. This makes aerial images and videos taken by news agencies even more valuable.

Turkish global news agency Anadolu published shocking drone footage just two days after the Palisades fire burned through 19,000 acres is just 48 hours. It has now made its way across 23,000 acres, with about 11% containment. The footage from Anadolu reveals how city blocks were transformed from vibrant communities to rubble, with smoke continuing to smolder.

Space intelligence technology company Maxar took things a step further by using satellite imagery to demonstrate the scope of the fires. The glowing orange in the city clearly shows just how much is at stake as firefighters from around the world join in the battle to put out the flames.

The Associated Press has also been on hand, putting out images that show helicopters participating in water drops, as well as stunning footage of a fire tornado that demonstrates just how intense the situation is.

To see what you can do to help in this devastating situation, see our recommended places to donate. And for those affected by the wildfires, check our updated list of resources for help with shelter, food, clothing, pet care, and more.

As the devastating Los Angeles wildfires continue, aerial images and video footage give shocking insight into its scope.

LA fires spread to Hollywood Hills as firefighters struggle to contain infernoshttps://t.co/TJVdz1qEFi

: Tayfun Coşkun, Jon Putman pic.twitter.com/oCABCXLH2k

— Anadolu Images (@anadoluimages) January 9, 2025

Space intelligence technology company Maxar took things a step further by using satellite imagery to demonstrate the scale of the fires.

 

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The Associated Press has been providing extensive coverage, including heroic efforts to put out the flames.

Sources: Drone Footage Captures the Devastating Aftermath of LA Wildfires; Los Angeles wildfires' destruction shown in satellite images

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Heartwarming Video of Firefighter Comforting a Dog in the LA fires Prompts Rescue of the Lost Pet

READ: Aerial Footage Captures Devastating Scope of LA Wildfires

 

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Una publicación compartida por Noah's Ark Zoo Farm (@noahsarkzoobristol)

Now that the holidays are over, people around the world are putting away decorations and discarding their Christmas trees. To save real pines from the landfill and reduce waste, zoos in Europe are turning discarded Christmas trees into enriching experiences for their animals.

The Noah's Ark Zoo Farm in the UK has been running their Christmas tree recycling initiative for five years now. Every January, they ask their patrons to drop off their trees, free from decorations and lights, at the zoo. Since the program was launched, the zoo has received about 15,000 trees. Animals big and small benefit from this project, as they can get a new plaything, an unusual snack, or an addition to their enclosure that is sure to pique their interest.

“Chippings from the trees are used in the Andean Adventure habitat, where our spectacled bears Madidi, Rasu, Tuichi, and Beni delight in the fresh scents and textures, much like the seasonal joy we feel with Christmas trees in our homes,” writes the team. “Elsewhere at the zoo, rhinos and meerkats enjoy the festive addition of tree mulch, with their keepers burying food beneath the chippings to encourage natural foraging behaviors.”

Elephants also get to play with several untouched trees, as their habitat is turned into a temporary forest. “Our African Bull Elephants savor the branches as a festive treat and enjoy foraging through piles of chippings for hidden snacks,” the zoo explains. “Branches from Christmas trees add a seasonal twist to their diet of willow and other tree foliage, ensuring they benefit from both nutrition and enrichment.”

Chris Wilkinson, the zoo's curator, told the BBC that the trees provide a brand new sensory experience for the animals in general. “The trees have a really nice smell that they're not used to, so some of the animals will have a good rub against them,” he explains.

Meanwhile, the Berlin Zoo takes in unsold Christmas trees from select vendors, as opposed to accepting donations as a precaution, since the tress could have leftover decorations or chemicals. This year, the giraffes at this zoo got a unique treat, as the trees were hung upside down in their enclosure for them to inspect and nibble at.

“They don’t just serve as food, they are also used to keep the animals occupied,” Florian Sicks, the zoo’s curator for mammals, told AP. “The animals can fight with them, they can rub themselves against them, they can throw themselves over them and do various other things with these fir trees. And so we enrich the animals’ everyday lives, which they are very happy about.”

To reduce waste, zoos in Europe are turning discarded Christmas trees into enriching experiences for their animals.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Noah's Ark Zoo Farm (@noahsarkzoobristol)

Every January, the Noah's Ark Zoo Farms ask their patrons to drop off their Christmas trees.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Noah's Ark Zoo Farm (@noahsarkzoobristol)

In the five years since the program was launched, they've received 15,000 trees.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Noah's Ark Zoo Farm (@noahsarkzoobristol)

Animals big and small benefit from this project, as they can get a new plaything, an unusual snack, or an addition to their enclosure that is sure to pique their interest.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Noah's Ark Zoo Farm (@noahsarkzoobristol)

Meanwhile, the Berlin Zoo takes in unsold Christmas trees from select vendors.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Zoo Berlin (@zooberlin)

“They don’t just serve as food, they are also used to keep the animals occupied,” says Florian Sicks, the zoo’s curator for mammals.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Zoo Berlin (@zooberlin)

Noah's Ark Zoo Farm: Website | Instagram
Berlin Zoo: Website | Instagram

Sources: Christmas Tree Recycling 2024; The zoo that will recycle your old Christmas tree; It’s Christmas for the elephants as unsold trees are fed to the animals at Berlin Zoo

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READ: Zoos in Europe Are Saving Christmas Trees From Landfills and Repurposing Them for Animal Enrichment

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A series of devastating wildfires has swept Los Angeles, causing mass evacuations and burning more than 2,000 structures. Exacerbated by the Santa Ana winds, five separate fires have burned thousands of acres across Greater Los Angeles. Many homeowners watched helplessly as their homes were lost, often seeing and posting footage of the destruction captured on home security cameras.

The Pacific Palisades was particularly hard hit. This fire, which was first reported on Tuesday morning, has caused over 30,000 people to evacuate and is the largest fire in the history of Los Angeles. At the time of writing, the fire has zero containment and has devastated the seaside area between Santa Monica and Malibu.

Slightly inland, the Eaton Fire moved quickly into Pasadena and Altadena, and has ballooned to over 10,000 acres. The number of fires has jumped from five to seven on Wednesday evening with the Sunset Fire breaking out in the Hollywood Hills. This historic residential neighborhood is rarely hit with fires, but was was forced to evacuate.

Given the sheer number of fires, as well as California's water shortage, battling the fires has been difficult. Firefighters are stretched thin as they seek to contain the fires and keep the public safe. Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell told TIME that crews are facing “unprecedented conditions.” For his part, Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency and called upon California's firefighters to head to the region to give support.

As many of us watch from afar, keeping updated on social media, often thanks to the posts celebrities have made about their lost homes, it's natural to want to help. With so much destruction and displacement, there is a lot of need and so we've put together a list of ways to help.

From a personal standpoint, My Modern Met's heart is with anyone who has been touched by these fires. Founded by California natives, our home base remains in Orange County, bringing this tragedy all too close to home.

Embed from Getty Images

Here are some ways to help those affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.

California Fire Foundation Wildfire & Disaster Relief Fund

Help provide direct financial support to impacted residents by donating to the California Fire Foundation Wildfire & Disaster Relief Fund. This fund, which supports victims of wildfires and disasters across California, works with local fire agencies and community-based organizations to ensure the donations are given to those who need it the most.

California Community Foundation Wildfire Recovery Fund

The California Community Foundation's Wildfire Recovery Fund provides grants to those most in need to help provide short-term and long-term assistance. They use a special index to ensure that marginalized communities, who are often impacted the most, aren't overlooked in the recovery effort. Since 2003, CCF’s Wildfire Recovery Fund has awarded over $32 million to support relief and recovery efforts.

Your donation at https://t.co/pq3ECSoJF0 provides vital support to California’s firefighters and helps strengthen the communities they protect every day. pic.twitter.com/6G4F8LaA8e

— CA Fire Foundation (@CAFireFound) January 8, 2025

Salvation Army

The Southern California Salvation Army has opened a fund that directly supports evacuees and first responders of California Wildfires. The organization provides short-term and long-term disaster relief, starting with mobile canteens equipped with food, water, and emergency supplies.

Mutual Aid Los Angeles

As a connector for aid efforts across Los Angeles, Mutual Aid LA has created a fantastic (and evolving) database of local organizations that have donation and volunteer needs. From location restaurants who need volunteers to prep meals to areas willing to provide free housing for horses and other large animals, this is a wonderful way to see what's needed on the ground and to find shelter if necessary.

To our Southern California neighbors, we are praying for you, and we are here to help. You are not alone.

Colossians 1:9 ❤️#TheSalvationArmy #EmergencyDisasterServices pic.twitter.com/Uu5ybTHzxX

— Salvation Army Southern California (@SalArmySocal) January 9, 2025

Los Angeles Regional Food Bank

The LA Regional Food Bank is working with government organizations and non-profit partners to assess current needs in the areas. They are accepting food donations at two locations, as well as donations online in an effort to be prepared for the large requests that will surely arrive as people settle into their current situations.

World Central Kitchen

José Andrés' non-profit World Central Kitchen is on hand in Southern California to support first responders and victims of the Los Angeles wildfires. By donating to the organization, you'll help them provide hot meals during this incredible time of need.

CAL FIRE Benevolent Foundation

If you want to support the firefighters who are tirelessly working against these fires, consider donating to the CAL FIRE Benevolent Foundation. This fund provides assistance to firefighters and their families in case of loss of life or injury, as well as burn victims.

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READ: As Los Angeles Battles Its Worst Wildfires in History, Here’s How You Can Help

Photo: Bobak Ha'Eri via Wikimedia Commons (CC 3.0)

Los Angeles is currently experiencing one of its most destructive firestorms yet. As of this writing, more than 1,000 homes, businesses, and other buildings have already burned due to the fast-moving fires. The Getty Villa Museum in Pacific Palisades was nearly included in that statistic.

On Tuesday, January 7, museum grounds caught fire, with flames rapidly approaching structures due to nearby trees and brush being set ablaze. Luckily, the Getty’s efforts to clear its surrounding areas spared the museum from complete ruination.

As of Wednesday, January 8, the Getty Museum remains safe and intact, according to Katherine E. Fleming, the president and CEO of the J. Paul Getty Trust.

“While trees and vegetation on the property have burned, Getty structures have been unaffected, and thankfully, both staff and the collections are safe,” Fleming said in a statement.

Fleming also made note of additional precautions, such as water stored on-site, irrigation for wetting grounds, double-walled construction, and air systems for protecting against smoke in the museum’s galleries, library, and archives.

Regardless, the sense of anxiety has yet to fully dissipate given the firestorm’s sheer magnitude. Built in 1954 by J. Paul Getty and officially opened as a museum in 1974, the Getty Villa boasts a collection of over 44,000 objects, some of which date as far back as 6,500 BC to AD 400. Fire and smoke damage could lead to the devastating loss of some of the world’s most precious relics, including The Getty Bronze, an ancient Greek statue that is over 2,000 years old.

The museum is expected to be closed “at least through early next week,” per Fleming’s statement. To stay updated about the museum during the Los Angeles wildfires, visit the Getty Villa website and Instagram.

The Getty Villa Museum in Pacific Palisades survived an incredibly close call with the current Los Angeles firestorm.

Photo: Jelson25 via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain

As of January 8, 2025, the museum is safe and intact, even after fires broke out on their grounds the day before.

 

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The Getty Villa Museum: Website | Instagram

Sources: After close call with Palisades fire, Getty Villa ‘remains safe’; Getty Villa Museum grounds catch fire

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READ: Getty Villa Museum in Los Angeles Survives an Incredibly Close Call With Destructive Firestorm

 

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In nature, clams serve an essential function despite their plain appearance. While feeding, they filter pollutants through their bodies, improving water clarity by reducing sediment loads, turbidity, and excess nutrients. Clams, an interdisciplinary project by artist Marco Barotti, focuses on this indispensable role through a unique multisensory experience.

Originally created in 2019, Clams is a collection of kinetic sound sculptures resembling their eponymous creature. Each sculpture is constructed from recycled plastic, contains a speaker, and is placed upon a body of water. What distinguishes these clams from static sculptures is their capacity to transform data into sound and movement.

Nearby industry-standard sensors translate detected water quality into a dynamic soundscape full of microtonal shifts. As the water quality fluctuates, the sounds the clams produce do as well. The music emitted by the clams is generated through real-time water readings and also result in subtle, life-like opening and closing gestures from the sculptures.

This variability directly corresponds to the surrounding environment, and recalls the clam’s natural ability to purify pollutants in its ecosystem. It also creates an intimate link between the sculptures and the water upon which they float.

“Clams invites the audience to draw connections between media art, data sonification, and environmental sustainability,” Barotti writes about the project.

In addition to Clams, Barotti has created other kinetic artworks. Moss (2021), for example, analyzes air quality data from cities and reinterprets it into breathing patterns and evolving soundscapes. Fungi (2024), on the other hand, explores underground networks of fungi and accompanies the installation with a polyphonic soundscape.

Barotti describes his work as “tech ecosystem[s]” that “play with resemblances to animals and plants.” Whether depicting clams or moss, coral or fungi, it’s clear that Barotti’s work beautifully unites art, science, and technology.

To learn more about the artist, visit Marco Barotti’s website and follow him on Instagram.

Clams by Marco Barotti unites art, science, and technology by reinterpreting the clam’s natural function as a water purifier.

The kinetic sculptures convert real-time water quality data into sound and movement, creating dynamic and haunting soundscapes.

 

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A post shared by Marco Barotti (@marcobarotti)

 

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A post shared by Marco Barotti (@marcobarotti)

Clams invites audiences to draw connections between environmental sustainability, media art, and data sonification.

 

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A post shared by Marco Barotti (@marcobarotti)

 

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A post shared by Marco Barotti (@marcobarotti)

Marco Barotti: Website | Instagram

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READ: Kinetic Clam Sculptures Translate Water Quality Data Into Hauntingly Beautiful Music

Photo: gustavofrazao/Depositphotos

There's some good news to celebrate in regards to the global environment. According to data from Brazil's National Institute for Space Research (INPE), deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon has dropped by 30.6% in comparison to the previous year, making it the lowest level in nine years.

Only 6,288 square kilometers (about 2,428 square miles) of forest was destroyed. Though this area of forest is equivalent in size to the state of Delaware, which remains concerning, it’s actually a positive development, as it is far less than the previous year. Since 1970, the Amazon has lost about 20% of its cover to deforestation, due to factors such as agriculture, cattle ranching, logging, mining, and urban sprawl. Over all, the Amazon rainforest covers over 2.5 million square miles in South America, of which 60% is located in Brazil.

The effects of protecting the Amazon rainforest go beyond its home region, as it has long been key in curbing global warming. This ecosystem has been regarded as one of the top, if not the main “lungs of the planet” due to the amount of carbon dioxide its trees can absorb—about 20% of all the carbon captured by vegetation around the world. However, this priceless benefit is lost and reversed when humans cut down these trees, as their stored carbon is released back into the atmosphere as harmful CO2.

As an added bonus, the Amazon rainforest is not the only Brazilian ecosystem that has taken a turn for the better. In the Cerrado, an area considered the most species-rich savannah in the world, deforestation has reduced by 25.7%, the lowest since 2020. While not as famous as the Amazon rainforest, the Cerrado is home to 5% of all plants and animals on the planet, and is often subject to droughts and wildfires.

These environmental wins are in line with Brazilian President Luis Inácio Lula da Silva's promise to combat forest loss and stop illegal deforestation of the Amazon by 2030. However, this endeavor has been met with skepticism since infrastructure projects launched by his own administration are at odds with protecting endangered areas. Still, deforestation has been cut almost in half compared to the final year under President Bolsonaro—a time when deforestation hit a 15-year high.

Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon fell 30.6% compared to the previous year, making it the lowest level in nine years.

Photo: caio.acquesta@gmail.com/Depositphotos

The Amazon rainforest covers over 2.5 million square miles in South America, of which 60% is located in Brazil.

Photo: Curioso_Travel_Photography/Depositphotos

Protecting the Amazon rainforest has long been key in curbing global warming due to the amount of carbon dioxide its trees can absorb—about 20% of all the carbon captured by vegetation around the world.

Photo: ammonite/Depositphotos

Sources: Federal Government announces Amazon, Cerrado deforestation drop; concludes prevention pact; El Cerrado; Why Is the Amazon So Important for Climate Change?; Deforestation in the Amazon rainforest continues to plunge; Brazil’s Amazon megaprojects threaten Lula’s green ambitions

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READ: Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon Drops by Over 30%, Dropping to a 9-Year Low

As climate change continues to impact our planet, raising awareness has become more crucial than ever. Artists worldwide are stepping up, using their creativity to make a difference and champion environmentalism in innovative and inspiring ways. Through installations, sculptures, and other imaginative works, they celebrate nature’s beauty while reminding us why it’s so essential to protect it.

Their art sparks conversations, inspires action, and brings the urgency of environmental protection directly into our lives. In 2024, environmental art flourished, with countless powerful pieces emerging. We’ve put together a roundup of some of our favorite works from this especially inspiring year.

Here are the top environmental artworks of 2024.

Alluvia by Jason deCaires Taylor

Award-winning sculptor, environmentalist, and photographer Jason deCaires Taylor has been creating underwater installations for the past 17 years. He’s submerged over 1,200 living artworks throughout the world’s oceans that often create a habitat for marine life whilst illustrating humanity’s fragility.

Taylor’s 2024 installation, Alluvia, portrays a serene female figure “sleeping” beneath the surface of the River Stour in Canterbury, Kent. Drawing inspiration from John Everett Millais’ iconic painting Ophelia—depicting the Shakespearean character—this sculpture is crafted from recycled glass, LEDs, and marine-grade stainless steel. Alluvia not only captivates with its ethereal nighttime glow, created by internal lighting, but also with its practical function: integrated environmental sensors that monitor river conditions in real time. This work replaces an earlier installation that was damaged during river dredging several years ago.

“The title Alluvia refers to the alluvial deposits of sand left behind by the rise and fall of the river's water levels,” says Taylor. “The figure's posture responds to the river’s flow, reflecting both its ceaseless movement and the invisible barrier of water—like being trapped behind a window.”

Carbon Phoenix by Benjamin Von Wong

Artist Benjamin Von Wong is renowned for his impactful art that sheds light on environmental issues. On August 1, 2024, coinciding with Earth Overshoot Day, he unveiled a striking 20-foot-tall phoenix sculpture, titled Carbon Pheonix, in Ratchaburi, Thailand, that was made entirely from biochar.

Biochar, a carbon-rich charcoal created from organic waste or biomass through low-oxygen combustion, is celebrated for its soil-enhancing properties. It boosts soil nutrient retention, improves water filtration, and supports beneficial microbial life, making it an invaluable tool for sustainable agriculture.

Von Wong’s Carbon Phoenix symbolizes the average person’s annual carbon footprint—four tons. Collaborating with local bamboo farmers and biochar producers Wong Phai, he brought to life a tangible representation of carbon impact, inspiring awareness and dialogue around sustainability.

The collaborators came together over two weeks to create this stunning installation. The phoenix’s feathers are made from biochar bricks, which are crafted from bamboo offcuts—waste materials from the construction industry that would usually be burned or left to decompose, releasing CO₂ into the atmosphere. By using these offcuts, Wong and the team turned what would have been waste into something beautiful, while also helping to capture carbon and raise awareness about sustainability.

Ocean Sole

Every year, a staggering 3 billion pairs of flip-flops are produced, and some reports suggest that over 200 million of these sandals are discarded each year. These throwaway shoes are typically non-biodegradable, which means they can sit in landfills and oceans for hundreds of years. However, fortunately, there’s one group who is turning other peoples’ trash into treasure.

Ocean Sole, an organization based in Kenya, leads beach and waterway clean-ups to collect discarded flip-flops. They then give the discarded sandals a second life by transforming them into vibrant sculptures with the help of local communities.

The team at Ocean Sole can produce up to 15 small sculptures daily, or two to three larger ones each week. Many of their 2024 flip-flop art creations depict endangered species, aiming to raise awareness about conservation. They’ve also crafted practical items such as bottle openers and doorstops. “Each piece is unique based on the materials collected,” says Mwakiremba. “The locals benefit significantly from selling the plastic waste to us, especially during the rainy season when flip-flops are more abundant.”

The environmental impact of their work is also significant. “Our goal is to recycle 1 million flip-flops each year, reuse over a ton of styrofoam every month, and save more than 500 trees annually by replacing wood with flip-flops,” the company states on its website. “We also allocate 10-15% of our revenue to support beach clean-ups, vocational training, and conservation efforts.”

Secret Garden by Ian Berry

Photo: Graham Lacdao

London-based artist Ian Berry transforms discarded denim into one-of-a-kind artworks, crafting installations, portraits, and landscapes that encourage reflection on our relationship with nature and waste. His 2024 installation at London’s Garden Museum, titled Secret Garden, showcased denim’s surprising versatility and potential for innovation.

Berry created a peaceful, immersive scene featuring a fish pond, flowers, and vines—all meticulously created from recycled jeans. The incredible exhibition invited viewers to reconsider the creative possibilities of everyday materials and highlighted the artistic possibilities found in sustainability.

Large Nature Model: Coral by Refik Anadol

Photo: UN Photo/Loey Felipe

Artist Refik Anadol harnesses AI technology to create immersive narratives on environmental conservation. His 2024 exhibition, Large Nature Model: Coral, showcased at the United Nations headquarters, highlights the vital importance of coral reefs. Anadol trained his algorithm on an astonishing 100 million images of coral reefs, generating abstract, dynamic visuals to mesmerize viewers with vivid colors and fluid transformations.

Timed to open during the General Assembly’s high-level week, the exhibition resonated with world leaders convened to tackle pressing global issues, underscoring the need to protect these delicate ecosystems.

Land Art by Jon Foreman

Wales-based artist Jon Foreman chooses to celebrate the natural beauty of our world through his land art installations. He explores outdoor areas near his home, collecting rocks, leaves, and other natural materials that he then arranges into intricate formations. From Golden Ratio-like spirals to complex mandalas, each temporary installation reveals the creative possibilities of nature.

Foreman’s installations demand careful planning and meticulous setup, yet the meditative process offers him a profound sense of calm. His art embodies the concept of impermanence: pieces are washed away by rain, swept away by waves, or slowly eroded over time. For Foreman, this fleeting nature is integral to his work. He views land art as “a truly pure form of letting go,” embracing its transient beauty as a reflection of nature’s cycles.

The Garden by Clare Celeste

Brazil-born, Berlin-based artist Clare Celeste uses immersive art installations as a form of environmental activism. She creates immersive, 3D compositions using hand-cut images of various foliage and animals, creating delicate spaces that encourage viewers to treat nature with care.

Celeste’s 2024 installation, The Garden, celebrates the breathtaking diversity of Earth’s eight major ecosystems. Visitors are fully immersed in a world crafted from intricate paper cutouts of butterflies, birds, and palm leaves, creating an enchanting display of nature's richness. The installation is designed to inspire a deep appreciation for the planet and a commitment to its preservation.

“We’ve forgotten that we breathe the breath of trees, that we’re part of a larger carbon cycle, that we are embedded within ecosystems,” says Celeste. “We have this illusion of separateness that is driving our ecological crisis. I believe in the power and art and storytelling to reawaken a connection to our planet. By immersing audiences in the splendor of nature's intricate beauty, I hope to inspire a deeper reverence for the Earth and a commitment to its preservation.”

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Eco-Friendly Group Cleans up Beaches of Kenya and Turns Discarded Flip-Flops Into Colorful Works of Art

READ: Best of 2024: Top 7 Nature-Inspired Art Projects That Championed Environmentalism