Hot Topic Archives: Earth from Above sustainability exhibition – Don’t miss it!
Earth from Above – a breathtaking photographic exhibition on sustainability – was launched last week by Environment Minister Donna Faragher in Perth’s Cultural Centre.
The outdoor exhibition consists of 120 large-scale photographs which capture extraordinary images of our planet. It is the work of internationally acclaimed French photographer and sustainability enthusiast Yann Arthus-Bertrand.
DEC’s Sustainability Division has brought the exhibition to Perth to help increase community awareness of and involvement in dealing with sustainability issues facing Western Australia.
DEC Manager Sustainability Programs Unit Terry Lewis said the exhibition presented the extent and diversity of sustainability issues in an engaging way through evocative and high-quality aerial colour photographs from 58 countries, including five from Australia.
“Each photograph captures a fascinating perspective of life, human endeavour or the natural environment throughout the world, from a sustainability focus,” he said.
“They are accompanied by information about the significance of the image and a brief, thought-provoking sustainability message".
“The images are compelling and informative, encouraging reflection and discussion, and the overall effect is a simple but effective communication approach.”
The exhibition is free and open to the public 24 hours a day. It is well lit after dark, so can be viewed any time of the day or night.
Environment Minister Donna Faragher with students from St Thomas More Primary School.
It will be accompanied by a calendar of events featuring, for example, WA’s first mobile, networked pedal-power generator system, People power in the Cultural Centre, as well as forums, tours, festivals and activities in the Cultural Centre and other locations.For more information see the calendar of events.
More than 70 million visitors in over 100 cities throughout the world have experienced the exhibition, including almost five million when it was presented in Melbourne’s Federation Square and Sydney’s Darling Harbour.
Terry said sustainability was a major issue confronting the global society and hence the community of Western Australia.
“Simply put, sustainability is about meeting the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs,” he said.
“Accepting the obligation to establish and maintain enduring foundations on which future generations can continue to flourish is as much a moral issue as a practical one.”
“It is also a matter that cannot be left to governments alone to address. Society as a whole has a strong personal stake in contributing to sustainability. It must involve people from all walks of life, but they need to be well informed about sustainability to ensure effective engagement."
“Earth from Above is a unique event that provides the opportunity for a wide cross-section of the community to easily gain an appreciation of sustainability in its many manifestations.”
Much of DEC’s work in protecting, preserving and managing the natural environment contributes to the State sustainability agenda, often with significant related social and economic implications. As such, all staff in a position to do so are encouraged to view this visually entertaining and informative exhibition during the next three months and to spread the word to others.
The exhibition will be on display until mid-January 2009 near the Art Gallery, WA Museum and State Library in Northbridge. This informative, interesting and engaging social event will not disappoint.
For more information contact Terry Lewis on 6467 5538 or see the exhibition flyer.
Published as a DECmatters article 22nd October 2008
