Climate Action, Why and What

March 2023, Palo Alto Art Center.

We think a connection to children and a deep desire for their well-being are significant motivators to act for the climate. We hope parents will recognize their children in the figure on the right and in the drawings it contains. That child’s bookend, the future on the left, is filled with drawings of teens, and their words are posted just to its right. Images and words powerfully express teens’ worry and fear for the future. The children of today become the teens of tomorrow, and change needs to start now for both their sakes.

The images: In our Imagine Future project, we have asked over 300 Palo Altans to draw the future they expect, hope for, or fear. The images in the figures are from this project. We see a significant change in kids around the age of twelve. Younger artists often imagine a future in a natural world full of color and peace. Tweens and teens frequently draw a world of imposing nature, troubled and lost to devastation and abandonment.

The letters: Because a climate-changed world is their future, we have invited Palo Alto teenagers to write to us. They write about their experiences with climate change, why climate action matters, and what they and their families are doing to help. The messages are honest and moving, you can find a collection of them here.

The circles: The circles are bright and buoyant, and we see them as full of hope. Each is in celebration of a Palo Alto Art Center visitor who has signed up to take action for our climate. Everyone has their reasons to act: some want to leave the world the same or better than they found it; some feel the weight of the animal and human populations that are vulnerable and already threatened; and some know that it is our kids whose lives will be diminished. Please pick a climate step, whatever your reason. If you plan to try it tell us your intentions. We will add you in, and you can be a bright spot in someone else’s day.

These images are from our Imagine Future project. We try to note the artists’ names and ages, but at large community events when there is a rush of people, and those times when we get deep into a conversation we sometimes fail. Sincere apologies to those who are not credited, and for whom there is incomplete information.

Image Credits.

01. Maya age 17 / 02. Tomny age 17 / 03. Nabil / 04. age 17 / 05. Paul age 18 / 06. Adrian age 19 / 07. Barnabe age 7 / 08. Quincy age 17 / 09. Mia aga 16 / 10. Jojo age 15 / 11. Leo / 12. Tyler age 8 / 13. Angel age 15