Climate Through Your Eyes
As an endeavour to engage youth with the theme of climate change, Science Gallery Bengaluru (SGB) ran a social media campaign called “Climate: Through Your Eyes” in the fall of 2021. SGB invited young adults (15–28 years old) to respond to five prompts on the theme of climate change with creative responses in the form of photographs, GIFs or short clips. A selection of these submissions were showcased on the SGB social media platforms. The selected young photographers also had the opportunity to be mentored by Kalyan Varma, an Emmy-nominated wildlife photographer and filmmaker.
SGB conducted this programme in partnership with the German Consulate, Consulate General of Switzerland, and Swissnex to mark the EU Climate Diplomacy Week 2021. Young adults were asked to respond to the following five prompts: Flood, Fumes, Heat, Migrate, and Resilience. Selected submissions from the prompt “Flood” are showcased here:
Mudichur, Chennai. Photograph by Adaleru R M
“This photo was shot in Mudichur, Chennai during the Nivar cyclone of December 2020. Residents and cattle were hugely affected as water had flooded their homes and fields. This is now a regular occurrence during monsoon seasons.”
Adaleru R M is a journalism student in Madras Christian College, and is also an amateur photojournalist from Chennai.
Near a gigantic canyon in Albania. Photograph by Likane Cana
“This photo was taken near a gigantic canyon in Albania. It was a beautiful midsummer day. All of a sudden and without any warning, an intense wind started to blow. The lights and mood changed. We packed and left for our rooms. During the night there was rain, wind and flooding. I can still hear the sound of scary waves splashing onto the land. It prompted me to think of how something so relaxing, divine, rhythmical, and beautiful can turn demonic in a matter of hours.
I did not leave my room the next day. It was still foggy and cold. Two days after the flood I went out to look around. Everything was ruined, torn to the ground. No tourists, no shops open, no beach beds. Nothing. Just the aftermath of a big fight between the sea and earth. And a boy dreaming of a calmer alternative amidst the mess.”
Likane Cana, currently a PhD candidate, is a passionate, curious, and creative force constantly working to bridge the gap between science and art in her career.
Achipur, West Bengal. Photograph by Litan Das
Achipur, West Bengal. Photograph by Litan Das
“Throughout history, humans have struggled for survival. Although we like to believe that life now offers semblances of comfort, progress remains limited to some parts of the world. In this photograph, people are wading through water that goes up to their knees: some carry luggage, others support their ailing family members, and yet others hoist their bicycles. It is a common scene in Achipur, West Bengal. The ferry is the only way around. Despite these many obstacles, they find peace and comfort in their lives, unlike much of the urban elite.”
Litan Das is an IT professional and passionate photographer.
Rural West Bengal. Photograph by Shibasish Saha
“This image was captured during the massive flood in rural West Bengal. This family was making their way through flood waters with just a bag of rice and a pet goat. They were forced to start from scratch after losing their home and farm to the floods.”
Shibasish Saha is a travel photographer.
“Kondeshwar is a picnic spot near Badlapur town in Thane District. Kondeshwar Temple sits by a waterfall, an infamously dangerous site in the monsoons. The Bhoj Dam forms a lake in this area. During the monsoons, the small temples in this area are submerged and become inaccessible as seen in video. During very heavy rains, the temple is fully submerged and the area is closed off to the public.”
Sameer Jadhav is learning photography in Mumbai, India.
