Our place. climate. world.

Image credit: Te Kawa Robb

Students from Bishop Viard College

Image credit: Te Kawa Robb

Students from Titahi Bay Intermediate School

Image credit: Te Kawa Robb

Students from Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Mokopuna

Image credit: Te Kawa Robb

Students from Wainuiomata High School

THANKS TO:

for support towards camera equipment

Testimonials

‘For me Track Zero was the manifestation of a traditional Māori cultural philosophy and practise of Tuakana-Teina, where the photographers mentored and supported the rangatahi to learn new skills and then to use these new skills to tell stories through the lens of a camera.’

Mere BoyntonDirector Ngā Toi Māori, TĀWHIRI festivals and experiences

‘Photography is an exciting and powerful medium to engage young people on climate change. Selecting their own photos for the exhibition and the significant mana from seeing their work presented alongside established photographers lifted the kids up so they felt heard and their ideas valued. It was a big deal for schools to participate as they seldom have access to opportunities like this and a privilege to be able to offer Te Reo Māori for a kura. The hands-on project enabled the Festival to build meaningful new relationships and to localise the art experience in their local community spaces, leaving a lasting impression.’

Sasha GibbSenior Producer, TĀWHIRI festivals and experiences

‘The project influenced our student’s life journey, looking at things from a different perspective, using the camera to be expressive, but also to generate awareness. Our students have been given a tool and a new mindset – something real to them instead of information just handed to them. They now have a place to advocate from. It was a privilege to be taught by extraordinary role models who are influential people in science and art. This opportunity has empowered our students to see that they can be influential people too; a profound experience for our kids. They’re walking away with new perspectives, skill sets and a different appreciation for art and how they can be change agents for our climate.’

Jessica FourieAssistant Principal, Titahi Bay Intermediate School

‘I loved learning about the angles of photos and telling a story about the photo. I liked learning how much the sea level will rise. Climate change is science and is more than picking up rubbish.’

StudentAge 12, Titahi Bay Intermediate School

‘This project strengthened the journey the kids are on learning about their identity and culture. The learning was localised to their community and area where they live so it was interesting and relevant. They truly grasped the climate science in the end because they realised it’s there in their face – it’s our beaches, walkways, all around us. The kids were proud to see their photos exhibited alongside artists and so were their families and the College. It really left a deep impression.’

Fuatino LeaupepeteleTeacher, Bishop Viard College

‘It was very life changing and very fascinating. I actually liked that we got to learn more about changes happening to our earth because of us right now.’

YaraldiAge 12, Bishop Viard College

‘Young people and their ideas need nurturing. Working with expert scientists and artists enhanced their ability to capture what they want to communicate and opened their eyes to climate change. The artists made them feel safe and encouraged them to be creative. The kids were buzzing trying new things. A highlight was they got to see their work in an exhibition alongside professional artists.’

Tama FergusonArt Teacher, Naenae College

‘Really enjoyed this project. Really interesting knowing more about climate change and the solutions.’

SuanoaAge 14, Naenae College

‘Student’s ideas about climate change are very relevent in today’s context. The project gave them an understanding of ‘where’s my place?’ and the professionalism of the project made them feel their voice was heard. The calibre of the exhibition and attention given to the students in the local community gave them a sense of self worth.’

Fiona Waitere Teacher, Wainuiomata High School

‘I really liked learning to share ideas through the camera for the first time’

StudentAge 11, Te Kura Kaupapa o Ngā Mokopuna

‘I liked taking photos of rangi and papatūānuku and the atua of all things.’

StudentAge 17, Te Kura Kaupapa o Ngā Mokopuna

Exploring climate science

The five workshops were preceded by an interactive talk called, ‘Ice, Balloons and Zero Carbon: Climate Science Talk’ for the young artists and their families led by expert Climate Scientists, Professors James Renwick, Tim Naish and Dr Daniel Hikuroa.

They then learned about photography and were encouraged to think about how the changing climate is affecting the world they live in.

Naenae College students learning about heat exchange and climate science. When is it going to burst? Image credit: Te Kawa Robb
Dr Tim Naish, expert Climate Scientist, demonstrates expected sea level rise triggered by climate change with Naenae College students. Image credit: Te Kawa Robb
Wainuiomata High School students workshopped climate science using hands-on experiments. Image credit: Virginia Woods-Jack
Wainuiomata High School students managing their body temperature, simulating global warming. Image credit: Virginia Woods-Jack
Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Mokopuna student conducting a heat exchange experiment learning about climate science. Image credit: Te Kawa Robb
Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Mokopuna students workshopped mātauranga Māori and climate science with Dr Daniel Hikuroa. Image credit Te Kawa Robb
Photographer Raymond Sagapolutele joined Virginia Woods-Jack and Bishop Viard College students to learn about climate science with Prof. James Renwick. Image credit: Sarah Meads
Bishop Viard College students workshopped climate science ahead of learning camera skills. Image credit: Virginia Woods-Jack
Hands-on experimentation by Titahi Bay Intermediate School students learning about climate change science. Image credit: Raymond Sagapolutele.
Titahi Bay Intermediate School student learning about global warming in a heat exchange experiment with Prof. James Renwick and Sarah Meads. Image credit: Raymond Sagapolutele.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Climate and the camera

“The power of telling climate stories through a camera lens is that it engages our imagination and connects with people on an emotional level. The science tells us that every tenth of a degree of warming adds to the risks that undermine our way of life. One degree of warming is already giving us more intense extremes, but going beyond two degrees would be very damaging indeed. To halt the warming at no more than 1.5 degrees, we must act now and give it everything we’ve got. We must halve the global emissions of carbon dioxide by 2030 and get to zero by 2050. By sharing ideas, working together and telling stories about the future we want to see, we can do it.”

James Renwick Climate Change Commissioner and Victoria University Professor

Climate Science Facts

Atmosphere

The atmosphere has more greenhouse gas in it today than it has had for 3 million years.

Half of CO2

Half of all the carbon dioxide humanity has added to the air has been put there since 1990.

Every bit counts

Every 1/10th of a degree of warming adds to the number of extreme heatwaves, floods and droughts. We can make a difference by reducing greenhouse gas – every bit counts.

2°C warming

At 2°C warming, the Great Barrier Reef and all tropical coral reefs worldwide, will be dead. At 1.5°C warming, we may save 20% of the tropical corals.

More than 2°C warming

More than 2 degrees warming will lock in at least 5 metres of sea level rise over the coming centuries. It could be as much as 20 metres rise.

Te Whanganui-a-Tara sea-level rise twice as much as other regions

With 2 degrees warming Te Whanganui-a-Tara becomes even windier, and because much of the region is subsiding due to tectonics, sea-level rise will be twice as much as other parts of Aotearoa New Zealand – at least 1 metre in the next 100 years. That means the Hutt Motorway, trainline and the Eastbourne road will be at risk.

Everyone can make a difference on climate change

By reducing our own carbon footprints and calling on government, business and farming leaders to take action to reduce emissions.