Millions of voices echo around the world for a safe haven, fleeing violence or hunger. But millions more are also forced to leave their homes for climate change reasons. Although environmental refugees are not yet recognized by governments, there is a strong consensus among scientists that climate change, combined with other factors, will increase human displacement in the not-too-distant future.
Faced with this globally significant problem, the Museum of Tomorrow, in partnership with UNHCR and Agence France-Presse (AFP), is launching "Displaced Lives," a new exhibition that will open to the public on June 21. Through stage design, text, and photographs, "Displaced Lives" will present some of the causes of environmental displacement and the plight of those who have experienced these situations in various parts of the world.
The Museum, designed to raise public awareness about the urgency of acting today to shape the Tomorrow we want, brings this topic to the forefront, as debating solutions to the climate issue is at its core.
One of the highlights of "Displaced Lives" will be an artwork made from life jackets worn by refugees who arrived in Europe via the Greek island of Lesbos. Called "S.O.S." (Save Our Souls), the installation was created by 16-year-old artist Achilleas Souras and has already been exhibited in Italy and Spain.