Climate mosaic: inspiring conversations about data through art

The Environmental Data Service (https://eds.ukri.org/), based in the UK, provides a focal point for scientific information spanning all environmental science domains. We support researchers and anyone with an interest in learning more about the natural world by hosting the largest collection of environmental science data in the UK.  

Describing the importance of data and digital skills with members of the public can be difficult. Conversations can be challenging (data isn’t seen as interesting), demotivating and negative (environmental issues can feel too big or depressing).  

Noting these challenges, staff members (specialists in atmospheric and earth observation domains) designed an art-based activity to inspire more transparent and motivating conversations about climate data. The interactive activity, in the form of a ‘climate mosaic’, was suitable for all ages but particularly aimed at the next generation and their influencers (i.e. caregivers).  

The data behind the artwork was provided by creation of a new tool which allows people to create personalised climate stripes. People can choose global locations and time periods to view warming stripes, and choose their own art mediums to express their thoughts, concerns or actions for change. 

We piloted the tool at Harwell Open Week 2024; hundreds of school children and families added pieces to a mosaic artwork depicting the warming climate in Oxfordshire over the last four generations, with action slogans.  

The hands-on activity created a safe space for conversations on local issues and increased participants’ understanding of how national facilities collect, disseminate and analyse data. More institutions plan to repeat or evolve the activity for their communities and the tool has been made publicly available. 

We will summarise how the artwork was co-created, the data and digital tools we made use of, the benefits of using non-traditional communication methods, and how we hope to continue inspiring conversations about environmental data.  

Further information about this work, including links to the tool can be found here: https://www.ceda.ac.uk/outreach/

This work builds upon and was supported by the team behind the #ShowYourStripes global graphics: https://showyourstripes.info/

Image: the climate mosaic being completed by members of the public. Small coloured tiles were used to indicate different yearly average temperatures in Oxfordshire, UK. Red = warmer, Blue = cooler.

Image: The final mosaic measured 6.5 metres x 0.5 metre. 

Note to conference team: if there is any available funding, it could be possible to recreate the artwork during the conference. Please contact us if this is something you’d like to discuss.