19th March 2025, Gurugram: In a striking blend of art, science, and activism, the climate-responsive art installation Below2° has emerged as a powerful visual and emotional call to action against the escalating climate crisis. The centerpiece of the installation is a five-foot globe crafted from 1,000 repurposed golf balls, each hand-painted by schoolchildren to symbolize the generation that will inherit the planet. The globe is constructed with a specialized wax blend designed to melt at 53°C, serving as a poignant metaphor for the dire consequences of surpassing critical climate thresholds. With global temperatures already exceeding 1.5°C of warming, the artwork highlights the catastrophic implications of breaching the 2°C limit set by the Paris Agreement.
First unveiled at the Digital Innovation Pavilion in the Blue Zone of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, Below2° is a stark reminder of the severe climate shifts already underway. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), 2024 was India’s warmest year since nationwide records began in 1901, with an annual mean land surface air temperature of +0.65°C above the long-term average (1991–2020). Scientists warn that exceeding the 2°C threshold could trigger irreversible consequences, including extreme weather, rising sea levels, biodiversity loss, and habitat destruction.
Aakash Ranison s art highlights the reality of habitat and biodiversity loss and connects us to the urgent need for action.
It was an inspiring gathering with passionate individuals dedicated to sustainability, like Ashwani Khurana Founder and CEO of Karma Lakelands, whose insights reaffirmed our shared responsibility for nature, as he mentioned, “This is the work that individuals are doing on the ground, is the real champion.”
Surrounding the globe are 14 3D-printed endangered species listed under the IUCN Red List, created from recycled plastic. These include critically endangered species such as the Siberian Crane, African Forest Elephant, and Hawksbill Turtle, as well as the extinct Bramble Cay Melomys—the first mammal subspecies declared extinct due to climate change. These figures serve as a haunting visual representation of the species most at risk from the climate crisis.
Below2° is an initiative by Karma Lakelands, India’s leading eco-resort, in collaboration with the Greener Earth Foundation and artist Aakash Ranison. The Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW) has joined the project as a knowledge partner. Karma Lakelands, known for its commitment to sustainability, was chosen as the home for the installation due to its dedication to fostering climate awareness through impactful initiatives.
Ashwani Khurana emphasized the project’s significance: “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.”
Diki Bhutia, Director of Environmental Sustainability at 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.”
Artist Aakash Ranison, Founder of the Greener Earth Foundation, highlighted the emotional impact of the installation: “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 aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action), emphasizing the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and protect natural ecosystems. It serves as a call to action for individuals, communities, and policymakers to take responsibility for the future of the planet.
As global temperatures continue to rise, Below2° stands as a powerful reminder of the need for immediate action to prevent irreversible damage. The project underscores the critical role of art and creativity in driving climate awareness and inspiring meaningful change.
