Melting Florida: Inspiring change through public art  

Many Americans still have the luxury to not face climate impacts, at least not directly or on a regular basis. Without the constant reminder of climate change, complacency can set in. To engage and mobilize the large number of Americans that will be necessary to meet the climate challenge, educators must use tools that are emotionally resonant, such as poetry, music, and art. Though they have often spread misinformation, art and media are able to create interest in and passion for individual climate action.  

One organization working to train climate communicators is the Miami-based CLEO Institute.i Since 2010, CLEO has worked to engage communities, educate children, and train youth to advocate for climate-friendly policies. In 2020, CLEO partnered with the VoLo Foundation, the Union of Concerned Scientists, and Zubi Advertising to create Melting Florida, a public art exhibition that physically shows the impact of extreme heat. An artist created three wax sculptures of quintessential Florida images, such as a lifeguard stand or a Florida panther, and installed them in zoos and museums across the state. These statues melted when the temperature exceeded 90 degrees Fahrenheit, revealing how climate change will impact wildlife, tourism, and health. Many viewers that watched the statues melt or saw the husks that remained were able to directly connect extreme heat with negative impacts on their lives.  

Melting Florida has won multiple international and national awards. 

Endnotes

• iSee the CLEO Institute, https://cleoinstitute.org/.