It was predicted that the pause in movement over the lockdown would reduce emissions significantly, but in reality the impact was lower than anticipated1. Global temperatures continue to rise, the poles are melting into the sea and severe droughts affect food crops. Simultaneously flora and fauna face extinction due to these rapid changes as well as the growth of the human race and it’s destructive practices.
While the likes of Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos look to Mars for new pastures2, many of us remain invested in the future of the planet Earth, a world that simultaneously feels familiar while holding so much mystery. Most places on land, Antarctica aside, have been explored but it is estimated less than 10% of the ocean, which occupies 70% of the planet, remains unmapped3.
Terra Incognito (Latin for ‘Unknown territory’) is used in cartography for regions that have not been documented. It is used here as a metaphor for the potential that creatives have to establish novel approaches to understanding the natural world. Over the past decade sustainability has become central to the creative process. Conservation, ethical sourcing and innovation are key to healing what is more than a single use planet.
Blockbuster films like Seaspiracy, advocates like Greta Thunberg and radical groups such as Extinction Rebellion and Greenpeace force us to face the truth of humanities misuse of the planet and beg the question; what are you doing to help?
Students in this section work with sustainability and preservation within the natural world and beyond, ranging from innovative ways to reduce emissions to working with traditional crafts.
