A five-foot-tall globe of discarded golf balls sits in the middle of Gurugram as a stark reminder of imminent global warming. The art installation, created by climate activist and author Aakash Ranison, is designed to melt when the city’s temperatures hit 53℃, symbolizing the urgent need for climate action. Ranison’s latest work, dubbed ‘Below 2 Degrees,’ is composed of golf balls held together with a special wax set to melt at the local equivalent of 2℃ above pre-industrial levels.
The piece aims to push people to take urgent action against global warming. “I asked myself, what is the one message that needs to go out about the world? It is to keep the world’s warming 2 degrees below pre-industrial levels,” said Ranison at the unveiling event held in Karma Lakelands, an expansive 270-acre ‘eco-golf’ resort in Gurugram.
I want anyone who walks by to understand how urgent the climate crisis is and what we can do to stop it.
The idea emerged when the team at Karma Lakelands approached Ranison with the question of what to do with discarded golf balls. The resort prides itself on its sustainable practices, such as water harvesting, solar energy, and organic farming, which sparked a collaboration with Ranison. With the help of his Greener Foundation and students from Scottish High School, Ranison designed the melting globe.
Affixed around the globe are small figures of critically endangered animals—tigers, leopards, Indian vultures, and Siberian cranes—representing the biodiversity affected by the growing climate crisis. The art piece is a ticking time bomb, as when the wax melts, the globe will slowly disappear, delivering a clear message.
Climate art melting in Gurugram
“I didn’t just want to make any art piece about the climate and call it climate art,” Ranison explained. I wanted my work to actually connect with and respond to the changing climate, just like the world is responding to it.
This is Ranison’s first climate-responsive piece. He defines himself not as an artist but as a climate activist, author, and climate ‘optimist.’ The globe was opened on March 21 at the Lakelands resort in Gurugram. While ‘Below 2 Degrees’ seems alarming to some, Ranison views it differently.
“I’m working in the climate space because I’m happy and want to save nature. I haven’t lost anything; I’m not doing it out of anger or hate,” he said. This piece gives me hope because it sets a clear goal for me and the world – to keep the world from further warming.
Ranison offers practical advice on addressing climate change in his book Climate Optimist: An Easy Guide to Lead a Sustainable Life. The book provides tips on reducing carbon footprints and living more sustainably.
His inclusive approach encourages everyone to contribute to the solution. The unveiling of ‘Below 2 Degrees’ was followed by a panel discussion featuring Diki Bhutia, Director of Environmental Sustainability at Karma Lakelands, and environmentalist Peepal Baba from the Give Me Trees Foundation. “You can’t save the whole world – it’s much too difficult a task.
But you can take care of the environment around you,” said Peepal Baba. “Trust me, these actions have more of an effect on the world than any international conference or treaty.”
The art piece stands as a potent reminder and call to action for individuals and communities to address the climate crisis urgently and effectively.
Noah Nguyen is a multi-talented developer who brings a unique perspective to his craft. Initially a creative writing professor, he turned to Dev work for the ability to work remotely. He now lives in Seattle, spending time hiking and drinking craft beer with his fiancee.
