COP29 is Over, But the Climate Change Alarm Rings Louder Than Ever

Even as COP29 concludes, the specter of climate change remains one of the most pressing issues of our time. Amid the summit's packed schedule, a unique exhibition titled "Another Kind of Climate" featured prominently, blending art and activism to provoke thought and inspire action. On November 26, the exhibition hosted the debut of "Between Borders" by Azerbaijani artist Ramil Aliyev, followed by a panel discussion that delved into the intersection of art and climate change.

One of the panelists, Maral Qurbanzadeh, an artificial intelligence researcher and founder of the Yuva Art Space, shared her reflections on the session. “It was a fantastic discussion,” she said. “We touched on every topic and expressed ourselves freely, which made it truly enriching.”

Qurbanzadeh emphasized the need for collaboration between scientists and artists in addressing climate change. “Researchers have the facts, but artists can translate those facts into something relatable for the public,” she said. “This connection is critical because climate change affects us all.”

The panel, moderated by art historian Ulkar Aliyeva, also featured independent curator Aynur Abutalibova and artists Ilkin Huseynov and Ramil Aliyev. Together, they explored how art can illuminate the often-abstract realities of climate science, making them more tangible and emotionally resonant.

As Azerbaijan hosted a variety of art exhibitions leading up to COP29, the focus on climate change in the nation's creative scene gained momentum. Artists and scientists alike echoed a common refrain: collaboration is key. Visual and emotional storytelling, they argued, could make climate data more accessible and compelling for wider audiences.

“Art has the power to make the invisible visible,” said Qurbanzadeh. “Whether it’s the melting glaciers or rising sea levels, art can bring these distant realities closer to home.”

The conversation underscored the urgency of tackling climate change through all possible avenues, including the arts. With humanity facing one of its greatest existential threats, exhibitions like "Another Kind of Climate" serve as vital platforms to foster dialogue and inspire collective responsibility.

By presenting the tangible effects of the climate crisis in visual and emotional terms, these initiatives can empower individuals to act—whether by reducing their carbon footprint, advocating for policy changes, or simply rethinking their relationship with the environment.

COP29 may be over, but its echoes, through art and activism, continue to remind us that the fight against climate change is far from finished. In the words of Qurbanzadeh, “This is a challenge that touches every one of us.”

As the global community grapples with solutions, the fusion of art and science offers a hopeful avenue: a bridge between data and humanity, fact and feeling. For Azerbaijan, this synthesis reflects a growing recognition of its role in addressing the world’s most urgent crisis.