Bengaluru, 24th of March 2025 : In a powerful fusion of art, science, and activism, Below2°—a climate-responsive art installation—is an attempt to create a visual and emotional call to action against climate change. At its core, the installation features a five-foot globe constructed from 1,000 repurposed golf balls, hand-painted by schoolchildren to symbolize the generation inheriting the planet. The globe is structured with a specialized wax blend engineered to melt at 53°C, serving as a metaphor for the consequences of surpassing critical climate thresholds. With global temperatures already exceeding 1.5°C of warming, the artwork underscores the devastating implications of breaching the 2°C limit set by the Paris Agreement.
First introduced as a concept at the Digital Innovation Pavillion in Blue Zone of COP29, held at Baku, Azerbaijan, the installation serves as a stark reminder that the planet is already experiencing severe climate shifts. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the annual mean land surface air temperature averaged over India during 2024 was +0.65°C above the long-term average (1991–2020), marking the warmest year since nationwide records began in 1901. Scientists predict that exceeding the 2°C threshold could trigger irreversible consequences, including extreme weather patterns, rising sea levels, biodiversity loss and habitat destruction.
A key element of the installation is the surrounding 14 3D-printed endangered species listed under the IUCN RedList, printed from recycled plastic. These include critically endangered species such as the Siberian Crane, African Forest Elephant, and Hawksbill Turtle, along with the extinct Bramble Cay Melomys- the first subspecies to go extinct due to climate change, serving as a visual representation of the species most at risk due to climate change.
Below2° is an initiative by Karma Lakelands, India’s leading eco-resort dedicated to combating climate change with a commitment to sustainability and has been conceptualized and executed by the Greener Earth Foundation and artist Aakash Ranison. With a long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship, Karma Lakelands was chosen as the home for Below2° because of its sustainable ethos, and dedication to fostering climate awareness through impactful initiatives. The Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW) has joined this project as the knowledge Partner.
Speaking about the installation, Ashwani Khurana, Founder & Chief Eternal Optimist (CEO), Karma Lakelands, stated, “Sustainability and creativity have the power to drive real change when they come together. Below2° is not just an art installation; it is a compelling reminder of the fragile balance we must protect. Collaborating with Aakash Ranison and the Greener Earth Foundation has reinforced the idea that awareness can be sparked in unexpected ways. At Karma Lakelands, we have always believed in fostering meaningful initiatives that go beyond conversation and lead to action.”
Diki Bhutia, Director – Environmental Sustainability, Karma Lakelands, added, “The reality of climate change is no longer a distant concern—it is unfolding before our eyes. Below2° captures this urgency in a way that words alone cannot. Through this collaboration, we are bringing together scientific and artistic perspectives to make the message impossible to ignore.” The project aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action), emphasizing the urgency of reducing carbon emissions and protecting natural Ecosystems.
Artist Aakash Ranison, Founder of Greener Earth Foundation, commented, “Art moves people in ways data and reports cannot, as it speaks to human emotions. Below2° is a visual, emotional, and scientific representation of our planet’s crisis and the urgent need for action. For seven years, I have created climate art installations across India to spark dialogue, and this project continues that journey.”
The installation serves as a call to action, urging individuals, communities, and policymakers to take responsibility for the future of the planet. As global temperatures continue to rise, Below2° stands as a powerful visual reminder of the urgency to act before irreversible damage occurs.
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