Melting Ice A Reminder of Time Running Out
December 16th, 2009 | by Andrea PereraCheck out the latest pics (gathered by our blogger-on-the-ground Emily Gertz) of the melting Kenyan herders at the climate talks in Copenhagen. Oxfam commissioned the three-meter high sculptures — of a Maasai man and woman holding a baby — to highlight the human cost of climate change.
The woman with a baby once had distinct facial features. Photo by Ainhoa Goma/Oxfam International.
Her face has since melted away. Photo by Emily Gertz.
What once were detailed depictions are now shapeless blocks of ice. As they wane away, the sculptures serve as a powerful reminder to negotiators — who must move fast during the remainder of this week if they want to help poor communities survive climate change.
Those details are barely visible now. Photo by Emily Gertz.
The warrior once had a detailed staff and necklace. Photo by Ainhoa Goma/Oxfam International
Author
Andrea Perera
Andrea Perera, a former newspaper reporter, is now the editor of Oxfam America's web site. She has written about Oxfam’s work in East Asia, as well as our campaigning efforts around climate change; oil, gas, and mining; and food security.
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