High Anxiety How Public Benches In Denmark Are Sounding The Alarm On Climate Change

Denmark is considered one of the wealthiest, happiest countries in the world and a forerunner in sustainable solutions to their country's decarbonisation, and aims to reduce about 70% of its carbon emissions in 10 years. But reducing our carbon footprint is only one of the impacts of climate change. According to the European Environment Agency, global sea level in 2020 was the highest and will continue to do so. Rising global sea levels still threaten sinking islands and low-lying landscapes in the future, such as the capital city of Copenhagen, at risk.

Denmark&rsquos organizations are striving towards climate action by making citizens aware of the climate crisis. As Copenhagen is located near the coast, citizens&rsquo lives revolve around its sparkling sea water for various reasons - from canoeing and boating to swimming during the summer season.

In a highly innovative stance, the Danish broadcasting company TV 2 Denmark launched a campaign, &ldquoOur Earth- Our Responsibility&rdquo to increase awareness about rising sea-levels in the city of Copenhagen. They chose to bring attention to the people by transforming benches located around the coastal line. They increased the height up to 85 cm of about 10 public benches in random locations to show citizens what our everyday material objects will look like as sea levels increase in the coming years. The benches are also fixed with a copper plaque which reads &ldquoFlooding will become part of our everyday life unless we start doing something about our climate.&rdquo

Benches have been elevated to match what the UN considers to be a realistic rise of the sea-level in the year 2100.

Even as people are seen sitting on benches, it is useful to know that such campaigns are highlighting priorities for our planet to the forefront. However, the real challenge would be on acting on sustainable solutions to save this planet.