Conference of the Trees - UN Climate Change Conference

The UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow (COP26) brought together 120 world leaders and over 40,000 registered participants, including 22,274 party delegates, 14.124 observers and 3.886 media representatives. For two weeks in 2021, the world was riveted on all facets of climate change — the science, the solutions, the political will to act, and clear indications of action. LarMac were brought in to Produce 'Conference of the Trees' as seen at the COP26 New York Times Climate Hub.

The project saw 197 trees bearing witness to the Conference of the Parties, one for each of the 197 countries present during the pivotal talks in Glasgow. Conference of the Trees involved the installation of a temporary forest comprising 197 trees and plants to represent the 197 countries involved in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. As COP26 closed, the giant figure of a refugee puppet known as ‘Little Amal’ took steps through the forest, visibly emotional as a dying tree was dragged along for the walk.

The powerful comment on what man-made consequences the planet is facing evoked heartfelt reactions amongst the audience. Speakers at COP26 included Greta Thunberg, Malala, Stella McCartney and many more passionate climate activists. The beautiful trees featured will now form part of a new community garden in Scotland, where it is hoped that the plants will flourish for all to enjoy for years to come.