Delhi: Climate change is no longer a distant issue, confined to news reports or images of melting glaciers. It’s a reality that we must all confront—often, it takes something visceral and tangible to make us truly grasp its urgency. One such effort to bring this reality to life is the *Below 2°* art installation, which will physically melt when the temperature in Delhi NCR reaches 53°C, a scenario that could occur if global warming exceeds 2°C.
As predicted by the IMD’s 2025 summer forecast, Delhi NCR may face prolonged heatwaves, with temperatures soaring 4.5°C above the norm between March and May. *Below 2°* forces us to reflect on what such conditions could mean—not just for the region, but for the planet as a whole.
A Living Artwork Reflecting the Climate Crisis
‘Below 2°’ is a climate-responsive installation created by artist Aakash Ranison and executed by the Greener Earth Foundation, set up at Karma Lakelands, Gurgaon. Made using over 1,000 repurposed golf balls and specially crafted wax that melts at 53°C, this living artwork acts as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of climate change. The installation not only reflects the impending reality of global warming but also incorporates deeply symbolic elements, from repurposed golf balls to the involvement of children in painting them.
The 1,000 golf balls, each hand-painted by children, serve as a metaphor for the generation that will inherit a deteriorating planet. The melting wax symbolises the accelerated damage to Earth as temperatures rise, visually mirroring how ecosystems and species are collapsing. The wax begins to melt once temperatures reach the critical 53°C threshold—an indicator of the irreversible damage that awaits if global warming exceeds 2°C.
The Meaning Behind the Installation
The installation is loaded with rich symbolism. According to Aakash Ranison, the golf balls represent the human penchant for leisure activities that often contribute unknowingly to environmental degradation. The children’s involvement in painting these golf balls serves as a reminder of the next generation, which, while filled with hope, will inherit a world bearing the consequences of inaction.
The wax melting at 53°C is a direct metaphor for the accelerating climate crisis, symbolising both the fragility of the Earth and the urgency for change. The installation also features 14 species from the IUCN Red List, highlighting animals that are at risk of extinction due to habitat destruction, rising temperatures, and human interference. As the installation melts, it becomes a powerful visual metaphor of how these species are slipping towards extinction.
A Call to Action
In a discussion with HT Lifestyle, Aakash shared his intention for the installation: “I want visitors to feel the urgency of the climate crisis. ‘Below 2°’ doesn’t just tell you about climate change—it allows you to witness its effects in real-time. If global temperatures exceed 2°C, we’re headed for irreversible damage, from biodiversity loss to the extinction of species. This installation is a wake-up call—just as our ecosystems will collapse if we hit that threshold.”
Diki Bhutia, Director of Environmental Sustainability at Karma Lakelands, added, “We hope visitors reflect on their daily choices—how they travel, how they consume resources, and how they engage with nature. If each person leaves with greater awareness and a commitment to change, we will have achieved our goal.”
Sustainability in Modern Travel
Sustainability is transforming the way people approach travel, with more eco-conscious choices being prioritised by travellers. According to Diki, “76 percent of travellers today express a desire for more sustainable travel options. Sustainable travel has evolved from a niche interest to mainstream, with hotels and resorts implementing eco-friendly practices such as zero-waste initiatives, solar energy use, rainwater harvesting, and carbon offset programs.” At Karma Lakelands, electric golf carts and bicycles are used to reduce carbon emissions, while afforestation drives and organic farming practices contribute to the preservation of biodiversity.
The ‘Below 2°’ installation is a stark reminder that climate change is a real, pressing issue that impacts all of us, whether we feel its effects immediately or not. The goal is simple: to raise awareness, spark conversations, and inspire actions that will help protect the planet for future generations.
