Do you have a leaky loo? Check now to save money and protect the environment
To celebrate World Toilet Day (19 November), WaterSafe and Waterwise are sharing a new, short video showing how to check for leaking toilets:
Up to 1 in 20 toilets leak, with some losing up to 400 litres of water a day – the same amount a three-person household uses daily.
This waste impacts household water bills and contributes to unnecessary carbon emissions from treating and delivering water.
The video, released by WaterSafe, the national register of approved plumbers, provides a straightforward method to check for leaks:
Place a square of toilet paper at the back of the toilet bowl
Leave it overnight
If it’s wet or torn by morning, the toilet is leaking and needs fixing.
Residents are urged to contact a WaterSafe-approved plumber to repair any leaks.
Julie Spinks, Director of WaterSafe, emphasises the importance of addressing this issue: “Leaky toilets are a hidden problem in many homes, but they can be easily fixed.
“By taking simple steps to check for leaks, homeowners can save money and help protect our precious water resources. We’re excited to share this video and encourage everyone to act.”
Chloe McFarland, Campaigns Manager at Waterwise said: “At Waterwise, we’re passionate about the small actions that can have a big impact when it comes to saving water.
“A leaky toilet can go unnoticed, but it is so easy to check for – and easy to fix! Catching leaks early can help you avoid unexpected costs and reduce water waste.”
WaterSafe is a free online search facility funded by the water industry to help customers find competent and qualified plumbers, water supply pipe installers and other water services specialists in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Waterwise is a leading authority on water efficiency in the UK.
Communities which are most at risk from the impacts of climate change will benefit from Scottish Government funding which will support them to prepare for climate changes ahead.
The Scottish Government will provide £40,000 to Regions4 to deliver a project focused on the emerging area of ‘just resilience’.
The term broadly refers to actions which prepare countries and regions for the known impacts of climate change – whilst recognising that those least responsible for climate change are often most impacted by it.
The project will help create a standardised definition of the term and identify examples of best practice – to help countries in global south access funding to prepare for the impacts of climate change, such as flooding, fire and disease. It will also assess bids from communities within Regions4 partner regions and match relevant projects with suitable funding.
The Scottish Government will also provide £200,000 to help develop cholera vaccine testing in Malawi and Zambia.
These countries have been experiencing a surge of cases brought about by the impacts of climate change. This funding builds on the Scottish Government’s existing partnerships with both countries, and will strengthen local capacity for vaccine testing, distribution and delivery.
Acting Net Zero Secretary Gillian Martin said: “Climate justice is at the heart of COP29 – and the Scottish Government is working to ensure that it supports and champions the voice of communities from the global south.
“Just Resilience has the potential to make a significant impact upon the lives of those most affected by climate change and this project represents a rare opportunity for the Scottish Government to lead on an emerging field of climate action in a way that is in line with our climate justice principles.
“By supporting the development of a globally recognised definition of just resilience, as well as identifying examples of best practice – countries and regions will be able to better identify opportunities for funding and support.
“Ensuring that everyone has access to safe and effective vaccines is also critical – as cases of diseases such as cholera become more prevalent as a direct consequence of climate change.
“These two projects are the latest examples of our work as a good global citizen and further developing the resilience of countries in the global south against the impacts of climate change.”
Speaking about the Just Resilience fund, Regions4 Secretary General, Natalia Uribe said: “Scotland’s contribution to the Just Resilience Project shows an invaluable commitment to advancing climate and biodiversity action that is both fair and inclusive.
“This support allows Regions4 to bring the concept of Just Resilience to life by capturing and sharing transformative actions from subnational governments in the Global South.
“By establishing frameworks, sharing best practices, and fostering collaboration, we are building the capacity of local governments to implement resilient solutions that prioritize the needs of communities most vulnerable to climate impacts.
“Together, we are working to empower these communities, ensuring that they are equipped to face climate challenges and have a central role in protecting our shared future.”
DRYLAW NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE – MONDAY 18th NOVEMBER
Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre are delighted to be hosting a recently-produced film WHY NOT SCOTLAND? on Monday 18th November from 6.30-9pm.
Across mainland Europe, nature is making a dramatic recovery – could Scotland be next?
Join us for a screening of Why Not Scotland? the compelling story of Flo, a young Scot, as she discovers #rewilding across Europe, prompting her to ponder the potential for a similar revival in Scotland. #RewildingNation#WhyNotScotland
This FREE screening will be followed by a Q and A session led by local artist Natalie Taylor who produced SCRAN FIR BEES on Ferry Road.
On our panel will be Dr Ian Edwards, ecologist and forest specialist formerly of RBGE, and Julia Pennycuik, co-founder of Midlothian Wildflowers.
Come along for an evening of inspirational visions of what Scotland could look like if nature is encouraged to return alongside the folks who live within and beside it.
UK government announces new climate goals at COP29, including reducing emissions by 81% by 2035, as Prime Minister calls on other countries to bring forward ambitious targets
New UK target to reduce emissions by 81% by 2035 at COP29 in Azerbaijan
targets support government’s clean energy superpower mission to give Britain more security, deliver jobs and economic growth
Prime Minister calls for others to come forward with ambitious targets
Tackling the climate crisis is essential to our national energy security, economic growth, and our efforts to protect current and future generations, the UK government said as it unveils the UK’s new climate goals at the COP29 Summit in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Yesterday’s announcement will strengthen the UK’s position as a place for investment in the technologies and jobs that are driving growth across the world.
There are 640,000 green jobs in the UK, growing at a rate 4 times faster than overall UK employment.
To support the industry the government has announced a significant investment programme in homegrown British energy – including renewables, carbon capture and storage, nuclear and hydrogen.
The UK’s reliance on fossil fuels has also been felt by every family and business in the last few years with the worst cost of living crisis in memory, driven by energy price spikes from international gas markets.
That’s why the government’s mission is to tackle the climate crisis in a way that makes the British people better off by investing in clean homegrown power and unlocking thousands of jobs, having already seen £34.8 billion of private investment into the UK’s clean energy industries since July.
This ambitious and pragmatic new target supports the UK’s mission for growth, helping to attract further investment and jobs in low carbon technologies such as solar and wind, electric vehicles and batteries.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “The only way to protect current generations is by making Britain a clean energy superpower, and the only way to protect future generations is by tackling the climate crisis.
“Britain is back in the business of climate leadership, with an ambitious new target that will protect our environment, deliver energy security and restore our global climate reputation.
“We will cut emissions across the country, delivering for our environment and ending our exposure to spiking fossil fuel markets.”
This ambitious and pragmatic new target – in line with the recommendation from the Climate Change Committee and previously legislated and legally-binding Carbon Budgets for the same period.
The target forms what is called the UK’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC): commitments that countries make to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate climate change. It is aligned to 1.5C.
The UK has called for other countries to match the UK’s ambition to address the urgency of climate change, following stark warnings from the United Nations that the world is way off track to limit global temperature rises to 1.5C.
Since July the government has:
lifted the ban on onshore wind in England
delivered a record number of clean energy projects through its renewables auction
consented unprecedented amounts of nationally significant solar – 2GW – more than the last 14 years combined
launched Great British Energy backed by £8.3 billion to speed up the deployment of clean technologies
fired the starting gun on the UK’s carbon capture, usage and storage industry, with funding agreed for 2 clusters in Teesside and the North West
Globally, the costs of renewables continue to fall, with solar and wind now cheaper than existing coal and gas power plants in most of the world.
Recent analysis from the International Energy Agency found that in 2023 for every $1 spent on fossil fuels, $1.7 was spent on clean energy. Global energy investment is set to be over $3 trillion in 2024, with $2 trillion of this on clean energy technologies and infrastructure.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s National Statement at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan yesterday:
The United Kingdom is determined to stand alongside those countries on the frontline of the climate crisis today…
And to seize the opportunities of tomorrow.
Because action on climate now is the route towards economic growth…
Energy security…
Better jobs….
And national security in the long term.
To deliver on the Paris Agreement…
And keep 1.5 degrees within reach.
In the first 100 days of my government…
We launched Great British Energy – to create clean British power…
We created a National Wealth Fund – to invest in the green industries and jobs of the future…
We scrapped the ban on onshore wind…
Committed to no new North Sea oil and gas licences….
And closed the UK’s final coal power plant at the end of September – becoming the first G7 economy to phase out coal power.
In line with the international agreement at COP28 to transition from fossil fuels…
and the UK’s ambitious goal to be the first major economy to deliver clean power by 2030.
Today I can confirm – three months ahead of deadline…
The UK’s 2035 international target –
Our nationally determined contribution –
to reduce all greenhouse gas emissions by at least 81% on 1990 levels….
Aligned with 1.5 degrees.
And we urge all Parties –
To come forward with ambitious targets of their own…
As we all agreed at the last COP.
We will work in partnership…
to support other countries to develop their own commitments…
And transition through our forthcoming Global Clean Power Alliance –
And finance will be its first focus.
We will honour the commitment made by the previous government…
to provide £11.6 billion in of climate finance between April 2021 and March 2026….
But we must use public finance as a multiplier…
To unlock much more private investment…
And reform our international financial institutions.
Today we launch the new CIF Capital Market Mechanism, listed on the London Stock Exchange…
With the potential to mobilise up to $75 billion…
in additional climate capital for developing countries over the next decade.
Putting the UK’s role as a global financial centre…
at the service of driving the green finance and green energy transitions.
Climate action is at the heart of this government’s mission for the protection and prosperity of Britain and the world.
Writ large across our domestic and international priorities…
We are taking the urgent action needed – to protect our planet and its people.
Complete as many of our #EcoSchools30 Birthday Bingo activities as you can to enter our prize draw to win equipment from @Litterpickers to help your Eco-Committee!
The UK will lead the world in the pro-growth clean energy transition, the Prime Minister has announced at the first day of the World Leaders Summit at COP 29
Prime Minister arrives at COP29 with major boost for industry to invest in clean supply chains
British manufacturing win with blade factory in Hull set to benefit from £1bn offshore wind deal
UK steps up clean energy investment to boost energy security, protect consumers, and create good jobs
UK expected to announce new UK climate target to reduce emissions and show climate leadership during summit
The UK will lead the world in the pro-growth clean energy transition, the Prime Minister has announced at the first day of the World Leaders Summit at COP.
At the COP29 Summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, the Prime Minister has announced another major step forward in the Government’s mission to make the UK a clean energy superpower.
Offshore wind developers will be incentivised to invest in the UK’s historic industrial heartlands, coastal areas and oil and gas communities, boosting green jobs, and to support sustainable factories.
Delivering on a Government manifesto commitment, the Clean Industry Bonus will come with a provisional £27 million per Gigawatt of offshore wind projects. That means if between 7 to 8GW of offshore wind apply, the budget could go up to £200m.
The UK is wasting no time to accelerate the global transition to clean energy and putting the UK at the forefront of the industries of the future. The bonus will create the conditions for cleaner energy industries to thrive in the UK and elsewhere, while rewarding firms for investing in less polluting suppliers – tackling the climate crisis at home and abroad.
It will help to crowd in private investment in hard-working communities across Scotland, Wales, the North East and North West, to build more sustainable offshore wind blades, cables and ports – reducing industrial emissions and helping support the rollout of clean, secure, cheap power for families.
Thousands of highly skilled jobs such as engineers, electricians or welders across the supply chain – will create vibrant towns and cities fit for a clean energy future.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Our mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower will fire up our industrial heartlands and break down barriers to growth in our hard-working towns and cities.
“It will strengthen our national security - protecting our children and grandchildren from the climate crisis, and impact this will have on their future prosperity.
“By acting decisively and early, the UK has an opportunity to lead the world in the industries of the future — working in partnership with business — creating real energy security, cutting energy bills and building jobs and supply chains in the UK.
“But we can’t move alone – and at COP I will lead efforts to protect Britain from climate change by also working with other countries to accelerate the global clean transition to tackle the causes at its root.”
The Government has committed to tackling the climate crisis and accelerating towards net zero to make the British people better off, primarily by investing in clean homegrown power to end national exposure to fossil fuel markets and the dictators who control them.
Swift action has already been taken to cut emissions through the Government’s clean power by 2030 mission. Steps taken so far include:
Lifting the ban on onshore wind in England.
Delivering a record number of clean energy projects through its renewables auction.
Consenting unprecedented amounts of nationally significant solar – 2GW – more than the last 14 years combined.
Launching Great British Energy
Firing the starting gun on the UK’s Carbon Capture and Storage industry, with funding agreed for two clusters in Teesside and Merseyside.
In a further boost to British manufacturing ScottishPower has awarded a £1 billion turbine contract for its East Anglia TWO offshore windfarm to Siemens Gamesa, including blade production at its Hull blade factory.
This major contract will inject growth into the industrial heartlands with Siemens Gamesa employing over 1,300 people in Humberside, following extensive recruitment, whilst ScottishPower’s investment in East Anglia supports thousands more. Its East Anglia TWO wind farm alone will produce enough clean energy to power the equivalent of almost 1 million homes.
This cash injection has shown funding is already flowing from last month’s commitment at the International Investment Summit where Iberdrola doubled their investment in the UK, through Scottish Power, from £12bn to £24bn over the next 4 years.
This includes funding for the East Anglia TWO wind farm off the Suffolk coast – unlocked by this Government’s expanded allocation at the most recent renewables auction round.
Keith Anderson, CEO of ScottishPower, said: “Today is tangible proof of the importance of Britain’s Clean Power Mission – our East Anglia projects are delivering UK jobs, UK supply chain contracts and UK green energy.
“Getting more projects like East Anglia TWO off the blocks quicker will turbo-boost the UK’s supply chain, giving companies like Siemens Gamesa the confidence to invest in facilities like this blade factory in Hull.
“Britain’s clean power targets are achievable but demanding. We’ve doubled our investment and are ready to play our part with Government as it gets barriers out the way to build more projects like this, alongside the electricity networks needed to ferry green, homegrown power across the country.”
Darren Davidson, UK and Ireland Vice President for Siemens Energy and Siemens Gamesa said: “The UK is the first leading industrial country to simultaneously phase out coal power and be a leader in offshore wind.
“If we’re to achieve our net zero targets, it’s mission critical this momentum is maintained. As well as delivering the blades to power the UK’s energy transition, our factory in Hull is acting as a catalyst for economic growth and green jobs across the region.”
At COP29 the UK will encourage other nations to follow its lead to deliver change – strong leadership at home to deliver action abroad.
The Prime Minister is expected to use the visit to make the case for supporting the global transition. In his address to other countries he will argue the global economy depends on nature and a stable climate that is under threat.
The 2022 UK heatwave saw record-breaking 40°C temperatures in England and caused 3000 excess deaths. These events are estimated to be 10x more likely due to climate change.
Climate finance at scale is critical to avoiding the worst consequences of climate change, but the UK is clear public finance alone cannot meet the growing needs of developing countries and innovation is essential to unlock billions in private finance.
This is why the UK will also use the summit to announce the launch of the new CIF Capital Market Mechanism on the London Stock Exchange.
This world-leading, innovative new financial mechanism, has the potential to mobilise up to $75 billion in additional climate capital for developing countries over the next decade.
Its listing in London shows the confidence in our economy and showcases the city as a green finance capital, and the UK as an attractive place to invest in the future.
It will help developing countries cut emissions, build renewable energy and adapt to a rapidly changing climate – all at no extra cost to the British taxpayers.
The mechanism demonstrates the commitment of the UK to work with other like-minded countries and partners like the World Bank to mobilise the finance needed to drive the global clean energy transition.
This will also support the UK Government’s priorities for COP29 – to unveil the UK’s new emission reduction goals, secure an ambitious new global climate goal (NCQG) and the Global Clean Power Alliance by showing the potential to unlock billions more in climate finance for clean energy projects over the next decade.
POP24 and Dynamic Earth offer schools a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn from environmental scientists, space experts, and conservationists
Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh’s Science Centre and Planetarium, is thrilled to announce its participation in Protecting Our Planet Day 2024 (POP24), a landmark educational event aimed at inspiring climate action among young people.
POP24 is organised by the UK Space Education Office (ESERO-UK) at STEM Learning and in collaboration with the European Space Agency and the UK Space Agency, POP24 is set to take place on Tuesday, 12 November 2024.
POP24 will immerse students in a full day of interactive sessions led by top experts in Earth and Space sciences, with an audience of approximately 150,000 people. Schools and the general public alike are invited to book individual sessions or participate in the entire day, offering everyone a unique opportunity to engage with climate change experts and explore innovative solutions to global environmental challenges.
Throughout the day, the event will feature live sessions hosted from Dynamic Earth by Suzie Imber and Dallas Campbell, who will guide viewers through each activity and highlight insights from guest experts.
Anyone interested in joining can sign up for most of the day’s events through the POP24 website. Participation is open to everyone, not just teachers or students, making this an inclusive event for all who care about protecting our planet.
One of the day’s first sessions, Pop into the Ocean (9:10-9:50 am), will be presented by Chris George, Head of Learning and Engagement at Dynamic Earth.
This session will take place in the Discover the Deep gallery and feature Alycia Smith from the National Oceanography Centre, known for her groundbreaking work on “dark oxygen” with the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS).
Alycia Smith, who previously contributed to Dynamic Earth’s Growing Roots exhibition, will delve into her deep-sea research while joined by Emily Yates from Project Seagrass, who will highlight the critical role of seagrass ecosystems around the UK.
This session promises an in-depth look into how ocean life and conservation efforts help protect our planet, connecting participants with both marine research and the seagrass nurseries that sustain vital biodiversity.
Later in the day, Protecting Biodiversity (11:25 am-12:10 pm), presented by former Dynamic Earth Scientific Director Dr. Hermione Cockburn, will focus on the importance of biodiversity in sustaining our ecosystems.
The session opens with a recorded message from naturalist Chris Packham, who will introduce the concept of biodiversity and underscore its significance. Following this, the session will feature conservation efforts from the Knepp Wildland Foundation, Saving Wildcats, Trees for Life, and the National Wildflower Centre.
Each organisation will share insights into their work and unique approaches to biodiversity preservation, making this session an inspiring look at the practical measures that can help protect natural habitats.
The day will conclude with STEM Clubs Hour (3:30-4:30 pm), an after-school science club hosted by Chris George and Dynamic Earth’s Planetarium Manager, Dr. Alastair Bruce.
This engaging session will explore Earth observation through the use of satellites, explaining how this technology monitors environmental changes and supports global conservation efforts.
Dr. Bruce will introduce participants to the basics of satellite launches and their applications, using planetarium footage to explain the process.
From tracking wildlife and weather patterns to monitoring natural hazards, this session highlights how space science plays a vital role in advancing climate and environmental research. A range of interactive activities and videos will complement this session, making it an educational and hands-on way to close out the day.
Dynamic Earth’s Head of Learning and Engagement, Chris George, said: “We’re excited to be part of POP24 and to support students across the UK in exploring climate science and the role we all play in protecting our planet.
“POP24 offers a unique learning experience by bringing real-world science into classrooms, sparking curiosity, and empowering young people to think critically about our environment.”
For more information on how to register, please visit https://bit.ly/47waVJh and join the conversation using #POP24.
KEEP Scotland Beautiful (KSB) has shared key points from their drafted submission to the ongoing Scottish Government public consultation on single-use cup charge – which remains open until 14 November 2024 …
OUR public perception data shows just how much single-use cups contribute to Scotland’s litter emergency – with 53% of people frequently spotting single-use (hot and cold) beverage containers littered across our country.
This is why for the past seven years we have been carrying out research, delivering campaigns and testing innovative solutions with partners to tackle our problem with single-use cups through Cup Movement®.
As an environmental charity we want to see more done to help people move away from their reliance on single-use items, and to reduce the valuable raw materials and CO2 emissions used in creating and disposing of them.
Paul Wallace, our Head of Operations, said: “Our key priority is to see a charge introduced. We’ve been pushing hard for action to be taken to reduce our consumption of single-use cups for many years and were pleased to see measures brought forward in the Circular Economy Bill.
“One thing we are sure of is that no single measure will be effective in changing behaviour on its own, but a charge will encourage people to reduce their reliance on single-use items and raise awareness of consumption habits and promote individual responsibility.
“We believe the charge offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to invest any proceeds generated to set up improved recycling infrastructure and support the development of effective and integrated borrow and reuse infrastructure making it easier for consumers and businesses to choose to do the right thing and help eliminate single-use cup consumption in most situations.”
In our response we are calling for:
The introduction of a charge on all single-use cups as soon as possible.
Proceeds from a charge to be used to make it easy for people to recycle effectively and/or to develop infrastructure which makes it the norm for people to borrow and return or use reusable alternatives.
The level of charge to be no less than 25p as outlined in the EPECOM report in 2018; that the charge should be consistent across all suppliers; and, that the charge be at a level that is visible to the customer. This is necessary to drive shifts in habit. Additionally, we recommend that the charge level is monitored and reviewed regularly over time to assess its impact in levering behaviour change.
There should be as few exemptions as possible with regards to the single-use cup charge and so it is important to note that we believe exemptions, if given, should not be permanent and should be scoped out further once a charge is in place. There is an opportunity for proceeds from the charge to be invested in testing and trialling systems in exemption environments to capture learning and make it possible to remove the exemption at a later date.
We believe funds generated from the charge, and any non-compliance fines, must be used to support, as far as possible, the phasing out of single-use cups through the promotion of behaviour change, encouragement of reuse and the facilitation of recycling, where appropriate.
We strongly support the introduction of a charge; however, we have concerns about allowing retailers and businesses to retain the funds, as was the case with the carrier bag charge. While the carrier bag charge has positively influenced consumption habits and reduced the use of plastic bags, we believe its full potential was not realised.
Should proceeds from a charge be retained by businesses and encouraged to be donated to good causes on a voluntary basis, as per the Single-Use Carrier Bag Charge (Scotland) Regulations 2014, we recommend that the Scottish Government commits to an annual ‘temperature check’ evaluation review to monitor:
– Effectiveness of charge in driving behaviour change of consumers;
– Implementation by businesses and retailers and cost incurred;
– The number of cups charged for; and
– Where proceeds of the charge have been used to do good.
Additionally, we would call for donations to be made to environmental good causes, not just good causes, in order to support a move away from single-use cups to a more circular economy model.
We are concerned that the current capacity and capabilities of local authorities will mean that the number of Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN) issued will be low, as will payment rates, as we have seen with other FPNs for environmental incivilities such as littering and dog fouling.
You can find out more about the work of Cup Movement® and read our reports if you want more information.
We encourage everyone – consumers and businesses – to have their say on this important issue. The consultation is open until 14 November and you can click here to respond to the consultation.
CARBON BUDGET APPROACH TO SETTING CLIMATE TARGETS AGREED
Legislation that will see Scotland move to using five year carbon budgets to set climate targets has been passed.
The Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill amends the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 to introduce limits on the amount of greenhouse gases emitted in Scotland over a five-year period.
The move, which is based on recommendations from the independent Climate Change Committee (CCC), aims to provide a more reliable framework for emissions reduction. This is because the previous annual emissions targets are vulnerable to year-to-year fluctuations caused by events such as a particularly cold winter or a global pandemic.
The legislation enables the carbon budgets to be set through secondary legislation based on the expert advice from the Climate Change Committee. The Bill also changes the current deadline to finalise the next Climate Change Plan for Scotland so the Plan can align with the process for setting the new carbon budgets.
Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero Gillian Martin said: “Scotland is now halfway to net zero and continues to be ahead of the UK as a whole in delivering long term emissions reductions.
“The Scottish Government’s commitment to ending Scotland’s contribution to global emissions by 2045 at the latest, as agreed by Parliament on a cross-party basis, is unwavering. It is crucial that our target pathway to 2045 is set at a pace and scale that is feasible and reflects the latest independent expert advice.
“Carbon budgets are an established model for assessment of emissions reductions used by other nations including Japan, France, England and Wales, and they will include emissions from international aviation and shipping and there will be no provision to “carry over” emissions from one carbon budget to another.
“We will continue leading on climate action that is fair, ambitious and capable of rising to the emergency before us and reflects our commitment to the ambition of credible emissions reduction.”
The Stop Climate Chaos coalition have written to First Minister John Swinney:
Kasia Molga, an acclaimed interdisciplinary artist, designer and storyteller invites you to explore her first iteration of How to Find the Soul of a Sailor, a deeply personal and innovative project that fuses the past, present, and future through the lens of artificial intelligence and memory.
This work is the result of The New Real 2023-2024 commission “Uncanny Machines” supported by the Scottish AI Alliance. Hosted at Inspace Gallery with additional support from Arts Council England, this unique early access version runs from December 12-21, 2024, and January 6-11, 2025.
Immerse yourself in a deeply personal journey to the future of our oceans and sailors’ time at sea. Experience the Mediterranean sea through the eyes of Molga’s late father, Tadeusz Molga, a devoted sailor.
During his voyages, he meticulously documented his passion for the ocean, a love he shared with young Kasia as she accompanied him on his ship. Fifteen years after his passing, Molga is left with a profound sense of loss and a collection of his cherished diaries. When the memories of their time together begin to fade, she turns to these diaries, clinging to the remnants of his voice and their shared experiences at sea.
Molga’s work captures an emotional and environmental journey highlighting the fragility of our oceans, the ever-changing work conditions of sailors, and speculates on the future and what her father would say.
Molga uses The New Real’s specialised experiential AI platform, The New Real Observatory, to reimagine her father’s words, projecting them 50 years into the future. This project is a powerful fusion of memory and technology, blending generative AI tools with climate data to create an emotionally charged narrative that visualises both the past and future of our oceans.
Molga’s exhibition uniquely combines English and Polish, creating a bilingual experience that delves into the profound topics of personal connection to climate change and the digital afterlife. Her work not only honours the enduring power of memory but also showcases the potential benefits and drawbacks of various artificial intelligence tools to preserve and transform our personal histories.
This exhibition is a must-see for those interested in the intersections of art, technology, and the environment, offering a poignant reflection on the future of our planet and the boundless possibilities of human-AI collaboration.
