This project is to make visible the causes and effects of climate change within microclimates in New York City, which also contribute to shifts in temperatures and weather patterns worldwide. Servers are set up in three buildings that I currently have access to, spaces that look and feel safe and intimate, but which are next to toxic sites and not far from generators of greenhouse gases.
Greenhouse gas emissions occur largely from burning coal, natural gas, and petroleum. The main problems are carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. The emissions block infrared radiation from the sun from leaving the earth's atmosphere. The trapped radiation warms the earth's surface.
When the ground is warmer, permafrost melts. Most permafrost occurs above 60 degrees latitude in Russia, Canada, and Alaska. Plants that were frozen begin to thaw and decay, which releases even more methane into the air, further speeding up the warming planet.
Our familiar places become uninhabitable.
Climate change has occurred before, which becomes apparent as archaeological discoveries are made in the thawing.
I am currently creating the infrastructure for the project, and assessing the information that is available or missing, which I can then track at each location.
The animations become more visible in poorer air quality.
The locations may change and this website will evolve due to the needs of the project and the environment.
This project is led by Amelia Marzec and supported by a residency at Flux Factory, with soil testing by Urban Soils Institute.