Rising Waters, Sinking Cities, Gathering Storm

Paul Simon says in his song “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” that the problem is all inside your head, the answer is easy if you take it logically…. You just need to “make a new plan”.

Scientists, industry, and world political leaders did indeed come up with a new plan to deal with ozone depletion. But somehow, when it came to climate change, plans included speed bumps, witch hunts of scientists, disinformation, and confusion. Isn’t it ironic that what we all want for our community━ clean air and water, liveable communities, jobs, economic prosperity,.things that make Edmonton a place people want to bring their families and businesses to open their doors━are also the same things that help reduce our greenhouse gas emissions?

I had a front row seat to the unfolding events. You see, in 1980 I started forecasting weather for the Canadian Arctic. Slowly at first, but with increasing frequency, the weather seemed to come up with new plans. Now for the first time in the existence of humans, in the not too distant future, the Arctic will become ice free. And that will change everything. Seven of the most costly weather events in Canada have occurred in Alberta, five since 2000. Edmontonians all now have a front row seat.

In my textile piece, Rising Waters, Sinking Cities, Gathering Storm, all the living creatures are threatened. All in the boat are looking forward, seeking the safe harbour. It might be a treacherous journey and we hope there will be a safe place.

There used to be a sign coming into Edmonton that said we are “The City of Champions.” The sign might have been taken down, but every one of you has the ability to make a difference. Vote, advocate, and support initiatives for a clean, liveable city. I challenge you to come up with 50 ways to help make our city a safe harbour. Become informed or simply choose to “hop on the bus.” Find your five, 10 or 50 ways and together we all become champions. What have you got to lose?

The Climate Change exhibition runs until July 3, 2018 at Enterprise Square (10230 Jasper Avenue) on the main floor.

Climate Change was the theme for the 11th Focus on Fibre Arts Association (FFAA) competition and exhibition. Since 1998, this not-for profit organization has promoted fibre arts and artists though biennial exhibitions, and fostered the growth of skills in the community through workshops in a wide range of disciplines.

Need ideas? Check out EPL’s great selection of books on Climate Change including; The Water Will Come (Goodell), Climate of Hope (Bloomberg, Pope), The Climate Challenge- 101 Solutions (Daucey)

This post was submitted by Yvonne Bilan-Wallace, a retired Environment Canada meteorologist, fibre artist, quilter and felter, and an Edmonton community member. If you live in Edmonton and have a climate change story to tell, let us know! Your story could be shared here too.