By Faridat Salifu
In a groundbreaking initiative to address the pressing challenges of climate change, the Artnovation project, a collaboration between Solution17 for Climate Action, New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), and the Artnovation Hub in Lagos, Nigeria, is poised to showcase innovative climate solutions at the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28).
Under the guidance of project director Foluke Michael, the COP28 Art for Climate Change initiative brings together a diverse range of participants, including innovators, technologists, artists, entrepreneurs, poets, communicators, and storytellers.
The focal point of this effort is a collaborative co-creation session titled “Hack for the Climate,” aimed at ideating and developing creative solutions to address climate challenges.
The culmination of these efforts will be on display at The Green Zone on COP28 Thematic Day 3, as part of the World Climate Action Summit in the United Arab Emirates. Seventeen paintings, produced at the Artnovation Hub in Lagos between August and November 2023, will be exhibited.
These paintings are categorized into seven themes: Climate Education and Innovation, Global Awareness, Climate Finance, Net-Zero Energy Security, Blue Economy, Green Economy, and Circular Economy. This approach reflects a comprehensive, multidimensional strategy for addressing climate action.
The initiative not only seeks to raise awareness but also aims to generate impactful solutions for climate-related issues.
The live painting marathon conducted in Lagos State has already resulted in the creation of climate startups and social enterprises, demonstrating the tangible impact of Art for Climate Change.
By actively engaging academics, students, artists, environmentalists, and organizations, the Artnovation initiative aspires to foster meaningful discussions at COP28 around key pillars such as Technology and Innovations, Inclusion, Frontline Communities, and Finance.
Through this engagement, the initiative aims to contribute to the advancement of the global dialogue on climate change and inspire actionable solutions to the challenges we face.