TWO new displays exploring the impact of climate change – and Scotland’s response – have opened at the National Museum of Scotland.
Scotland’s Climate Challenge, which opened today, looks into the innovations seeking to mitigate the impact of industry on our climate through the use of alternative sources of energy.
It shows a range of leading-edge equipment alongside samples of natural material, and profiles some of those working in associated industries.
One such profile is on Dr Faisal Ghani, whose pioneering invention, the SolarisKit, has won awards for its contribution to lowering carbon emissions and addressing fuel poverty in the developing world.
Unveiled at the same time, the Extinction Bell is a work by Bristol-based artist Luke Jerram.
A fire engine bell from National Museums Scotland’s collection has been adapted to toll at random intervals 150-200 times per day. Each ring of the bell marks the extinction of a species, representing the number of species being lost every 24 hours, according to a 2007 report from the UN.
The 19th-century brass bell, chosen by curators, was originally used on a horse-drawn fire engine from St Mary’s Isle estate near Kirkcudbright.
Ellie Swinbank, technology curator at National Museums Scotland, said: “Scotland’s Climate Challenge highlights the exciting work being carried out in this country to fight against climate change.
“It brings together just some of the technological responses that have been developed in Scotland or that are being used here in the effort to cut carbon dioxide emissions.
“We also look at the efforts made to ensure these new technologies are themselves sustainable, both in terms of their impact on the environment and ecosystems and the resources consumed in their manufacture.”
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