Cool Globes: Pittsburgh Edition

by: Katrice Stallworth

Climate change is a growing issue. The debate whether it is a hoax or truth remains questionable for some. For others, like Cool Globes founder Wendy Abrams, the threat of climate change is very real.

The Cool Globes project consists of 30 globes  that are transported throughout the world to “raise awareness of solutions to climate change”, according to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette.  Cool Globes became a non-profit in 2006 and have transported globes throughout the world since 2007. The non-profit works to acknowledge the issue of climate change and create solutions such as “increasing energy efficiency in buildings , avoiding pesticides,  and buying products made with 100% post consumer materials.”

James Hill, the executive assistant to the mayor, said, “Cool Globes is really important because it brings something that is truly a complex scientific issue to an understandable level.”

“Understanding climate change helps people understand why we have to fight,” Hill said.

The Heinz Endowments worked with PNC funded Cool Globes to promote understanding in Pittsburgh. Three local artists Lindsay Wright, Katy DeMent, and Ashley Kyber worked with Cool Globes to spread awareness.  

Lindsay Wright designed the globe “Bee Mindful.” It was inspired by environmentalist, Rachel Carson, who warned people of the dangers of pesticides. The globe has a texture similar to honeycomb, scattered caution signs, and yellow color scheme to represent Pittsburgh. The honeycomb-like texture represents people taking on the mentality of bees to work together for change and bettering the world.  According to the Post Gazette, the caution signs represent “the [overall] cautiousness people should have in preserving the planet.”

Katy DeMent created the globe “Reflections of You” with the help of students form Creative Citizens Studio. “Reflections of You” is covered with shards of different colored glass.

The globe itself represents that fact that change starts with you.

Ashley Kyber designed “Many Hands Make Light” with 50 kids from Highland Park. This globe was inspired by Aldo Leopold, the creator of the word “ecology”, who promoted being caretakers of the earth. It is a dark gray globe with subtle accents of glitter, scattered handprints, and penguins on an iceberg.

The mission of Cool Globes is to inspire at least one person in each city to eventually become advocates for change, spreading the mission to create solutions.

Mayor Bill Peduto told 3BL Media. “Cool Globes offers a message of hope and resilience…that is what Pittsburgh is all about. I encourage everyone visit the globes and learn more about what you can do to combat climate change.”

Photo: Katrice Stallworth
Lindsay Wright’s “Bee Mindful” located in Market Square

Photo: Katrice Stallworth
Ashley Kyber’s “Many Hands Make Light” located in Market Square

Photo: Katrice Stallworth
Katy DeMent’s “Reflections of You” located in Market Square