Today, a state-of-the-art gallery on Climate Change titled "On the Edge?" was inaugurated by Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon’ble Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Government of India, at Science City, Kolkata, in the august presence of Dr. A. A. Mao, Director, Botanical Survey of India; Shri Sanjay Kaul, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India; Shri A. D. Choudhury, Director General, NCSM; Shri Samarendra Kumar, DDG, NCSM; Shri Anurag Kumar, Director, Science City, Kolkata; and other distinguished guests.
Spread over 10,000 square feet across two storeys, this gallery offers an immersive experience that blends cutting-edge technology with compelling storytelling to highlight the critical need for collective action. The exhibition is meticulously organized into three sections: Impact of Climate Change, Why is the Climate Changing?, and Mitigation and Adaptation. Each section provides an in-depth exploration of key aspects of the climate crisis, presenting evidence, insights, and actionable solutions to engage and educate visitors.
Impact of Climate Change: This section vividly illustrates the tangible effects of climate change on communities worldwide. Visitors are taken on a global journey to witness melting glaciers, rising sea levels, and altered ecosystems, alongside powerful stories from India that demonstrate the localized impact, such as shifting monsoon patterns and threats to coastal cities.
Why is the Climate Changing? : Delving into the science, this section distinguishes between natural climate variations and the current man-made crisis. Interactive displays showcase climate signatures preserved in natural archives like ice cores and tree rings, while a dramatic narrative warns of tipping points that, if crossed, could lead to catastrophic and irreversible consequences.
Mitigation and Adaptation: This final section presents actionable solutions to combat climate change through adaptation and mitigation strategies. A giant interactive wall demonstrates techniques to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while holographic displays and gamified experiences inspire visitors to adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives.
What makes the gallery truly unique is a massive 12ft × 24ft LED screen that serves as an interactive centrepiece. This state-of-the-art display captivates visitors by showcasing simulations, and dynamic visualizations of climate patterns, impacts, and solutions. Through this immersive technology, audiences can witness the effects of climate change unfold before their eyes, making complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging for all age groups.
“Through interactive displays, immersive experiences, and evidence-based storytelling, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the devastating impact of climate change, its human-induced causes, and the critical strategies for mitigation and adaptation, said Shri A. D. Choudhury, Director General, National Council of Science Museums (NCSM). He further added, “This gallery is not just a display of information—it’s a call to action. By understanding the science and impact of climate change, visitors will realize that each one of us has a role to play in safeguarding our planet.”
Other highlights of the exhibition include dispelling myths and establishing facts about climate change. The exhibition addresses common misconceptions, such as the belief that climate change is a purely natural phenomenon. The exhibition also highlights the urgency of the situation, emphasizing that with every passing day of inaction, humanity edges closer to a tipping point of no return. Furthermore, it concludes with a strong appeal for collective action, emphasizing that the time to act is now, as the survival of life on Earth depends on it. Through interactive platforms, visitors are encouraged to pledge their commitment to a greener future.
Shri Anurag Kumar, Director, Science City, Kolkata, shared, “On the Edge?’ is more than an exhibition—it’s a journey of realization and empowerment. The advanced technology and engaging narratives aim to inspire everyone to be a part of the solution to this global crisis. I urge the people of Kolkata to visit the gallery and join us in the movement of raising awareness of the issue and take part in the collective actions to save ourselves.”
A folder and a film on the gallery were also unveiled during the program. Around 500 students and teachers from various schools of Kolkata attended the inaugural function and visited the exhibition. Through "On the Edge," visitors will be inspired to take action and become part of the solution. The exhibition's interactive and immersive experiences will empower individuals to make informed choices and adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives.
