The Thinker’s Burden is a powerful art installation that has been garnering attention since its creation on July 31 by Canadian artist Benjamin Von Wong. Situated in front of the Palais des Nations in Geneva, this 20-foot-tall sculpture features a unique twist on Auguste Rodin’s iconic piece, The Thinker. In this version, The Thinker is no longer in solitary contemplation but is instead cradling a baby while perched atop Mother Earth. Surrounding them is a giant strand of DNA, symbolizing the interconnectedness of all life on Earth.
What makes this installation particularly poignant is the mounting pile of plastic trash that is gradually obscuring parts of The Thinker. Von Wong’s intention with this piece is to draw attention to the urgent issue of plastic pollution and its detrimental effects on human health and the environment. As diplomats gather for negotiations on a global plastics treaty, The Thinker’s Burden serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need to address this crisis.
Von Wong is no stranger to using art as a tool for advocacy. His previous installation, Turn Off the Plastic Tap, was featured at the U.N. Environment Assembly meeting in 2022 and highlighted the need to address the root causes of plastic pollution. By likening the constant flow of plastic waste to an overflowing tap, Von Wong emphasized the importance of tackling plastic production alongside waste management.
In collaboration with Greenpeace, Von Wong also created the Perpetual Plastic Machine for the second round of plastics treaty negotiations in Paris. This installation featured an oil pumpjack connected to conveyor belts carrying disposable plastic bottles, symbolizing the close link between plastic production and the fossil fuel industry. By showcasing the lifecycle of plastic from extraction to disposal, Von Wong and Greenpeace aimed to underscore the need for restrictions on plastic production to curb pollution.
The connection between plastics and climate change is undeniable. Plastics are derived from fossil fuels and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions at every stage of their lifespan. From the extraction of oil and gas to processing at petrochemical refineries, and even disposal methods like incineration, plastics have a significant environmental impact. A recent study found a direct correlation between plastic production and pollution, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue on a global scale.
As The Thinker’s Burden stands as a powerful symbol of the plastic pollution crisis, it serves as a call to action for policymakers, industry leaders, and individuals alike. By confronting the root causes of plastic pollution and advocating for sustainable solutions, we can work towards a cleaner, healthier future for our planet. Benjamin Von Wong’s art is not just a visual spectacle but a catalyst for change in the fight against plastic pollution. The plastics industry has a massive impact on the environment, with a climate footprint that rivals that of entire countries. According to data from the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, if the plastics industry were a country, it would rank as the world’s fourth-largest emitter of greenhouse gases.
Research indicates that plastics are responsible for approximately 4 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. However, this number may be underestimated due to significant data gaps in tracking plastic production and disposal. Most countries lack comprehensive information on the greenhouse gas emissions associated with plastics, focusing instead on specific disposal methods.
Holly Kaufman, a senior fellow at the World Resources Institute, highlights the significant climate impact of plastics. She emphasizes that plastics are consuming more than their fair share of the global carbon budget, which is the amount of carbon dioxide that can be emitted without exceeding 1.5 or 2 degrees Celsius of warming. Despite this impact, plastics’ contribution to climate change has not been fully addressed in international agreements like the U.N.’s plastics treaty.
To raise awareness about the environmental impact of plastics, artists and activists have turned to art installations as a powerful tool. By creating larger-than-life artworks that highlight the issue of plastic pollution, these individuals aim to engage policymakers and the public in conversations about the urgent need for action.
One artist, Von Wong, has been successful in using his installations to attract the attention of treaty delegates and serve as a focal point for negotiations. His artwork has been featured in media interviews, political demonstrations, and as a backdrop for diplomatic events. Similarly, other artists like Hristova have seen their installations spark engagement from the public, with tourists and locals alike stopping to learn about the connection between plastic pollution and its environmental consequences.
Art has proven to be a valuable tool for activists to reach diverse audiences and create awareness about the plastics crisis. Greenpeace, for example, has used art installations in countries where nonviolent direct actions are restricted, allowing them to convey powerful messages about the need for action on plastic pollution.
As international negotiations on plastic pollution continue, artists and activists are using their creativity to make a statement. From giant whale sculptures made of marine plastic litter to provocative installations questioning consumer responsibility, these artworks aim to challenge policymakers and the public to confront the urgent need for action on plastic pollution.
In the fight against plastic pollution, art has become a powerful ally, drawing attention to the environmental impact of plastics and inspiring action at all levels of society. The recent event held in Busan, South Korea, brought together artists, activists, and delegates to discuss the global plastics crisis. One of the highlights of the event was a globe created by local artist Eunha Kim, which symbolized the interconnectedness of the world and the urgent need to address plastic pollution. This globe was handed to the delegates by two Korean children, emphasizing the importance of involving younger generations in the conversation.
The event also featured a powerful poem by Irish-Indian poet Nikita Gill, who called out fossil fuel companies for their role in the plastics crisis. Gill’s poem not only highlighted the need to reduce plastic production but also connected these ideas to more emotional themes, such as her love for her young niece and nephew who aspire to become marine biologists. Through her poetry, Gill emphasized the impact of unchecked plastic production on future generations.
Art has the power to inspire change and raise awareness, as seen in the work of artists like Dan Acher, who created a 10-story-high flag comprised of portraits of people from around the world. This flag served as a message to negotiators that “The world is watching,” urging them to take action on plastic pollution. Similarly, artivist Dan Acher’s work aimed to engage people in the conversation about the plastics crisis and encourage them to advocate for change.
Art can serve as a powerful tool for influencing policy and driving action on environmental issues. While it may be challenging to quantify the direct impact of art on diplomatic outcomes, it plays a crucial role in raising awareness and mobilizing communities. By combining art with other advocacy strategies, environmental groups can create a multi-faceted approach to addressing the plastics crisis.
At the latest round of plastics treaty talks in Switzerland, more art was on display to draw attention to the human health impacts of plastic pollution. From installations made of recovered trash to interactive exhibits highlighting the full life cycle of plastics, artists and activists continue to use creativity to advocate for change. By connecting art to emotional and personal experiences, they aim to inspire individuals to take action and push for stronger policies to protect the planet. Targeting people’s emotions is a powerful tool when it comes to addressing complex political issues. According to a recent interview with Grist, it can make these issues much more evocative and memorable, leaving a stronger impression on the audience. However, there are still some delegates who may be immune to this creative approach.
Despite this challenge, there are individuals who are determined to continue using creative methods to reach these delegates. One such individual is Von Wong, who spent day nine of the treaty negotiations hauling more plastic on top of The Thinker’s Burden. He remained hopeful that his spectacle would resonate with the delegates gathered inside the Palais des Nations.
It is clear that using creativity and targeting emotions can be a powerful way to engage people in important political discussions. While some may be resistant to these tactics, there are those who will continue to push boundaries and find innovative ways to make a lasting impact. As we navigate through complex political issues, it is important to explore all avenues of communication in order to effectively convey our message and inspire change. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant changes in the way we live our lives. From social distancing measures to remote work setups, the world has had to adapt to a new normal in order to prevent the spread of the virus. One of the most noticeable changes has been the shift towards online shopping.
With brick-and-mortar stores closing their doors or operating at reduced capacity, more and more people have turned to online shopping as a way to safely purchase goods and services. This has led to a surge in e-commerce, with online retailers experiencing record-breaking sales and increased demand for their products.
The convenience of online shopping has always been a draw for consumers, but the pandemic has accelerated its popularity. People can now shop from the comfort of their own homes, avoiding crowded malls and long lines. Not only does this reduce the risk of exposure to the virus, but it also saves time and energy that would have been spent traveling to and from stores.
In addition to the convenience factor, online shopping offers a wider selection of products and services compared to traditional retail stores. With just a few clicks, consumers can browse through thousands of items from multiple retailers, allowing them to compare prices and find the best deals. This level of choice and flexibility is something that brick-and-mortar stores simply cannot match.
Furthermore, online shopping has also provided a lifeline for small businesses struggling to stay afloat during the pandemic. Many small retailers have pivoted to e-commerce in order to reach a wider audience and generate much-needed revenue. This has allowed them to continue operating despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and has even opened up new opportunities for growth and expansion.
However, the surge in online shopping has not been without its challenges. The increased demand for delivery services has put a strain on logistics companies, leading to delays and disruptions in the supply chain. Additionally, the rise in online shopping fraud and scams has become a concern for consumers, who must be vigilant when making online purchases.
Despite these challenges, the shift towards online shopping is likely to continue even after the pandemic is over. The convenience, selection, and flexibility that e-commerce offers have proven to be invaluable to consumers, and many have come to rely on online shopping as a way of life. As technology continues to advance and improve, the online shopping experience will only become more seamless and efficient, making it an even more attractive option for consumers in the future.
