Are you familiar with this project? In 2022, photographer Mary-Lou Mauricio launched a campaign to raise awareness about global warming called “Born in PPM”.
This campaign consists of taking pictures of people with a number written on their body, corresponding to the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere at the time of their birth. Since then, she has photographed anonymous people and personalities to raise awareness about global warming.
All official photos are on the website
This project was quickly taken up by individuals and organizations around the world. The same goes for Campus Contern: as a New Year’s greeting, we invited our tenants to copy this powerful campaign, with our own self-made pictures and in full awareness of what it represents.
Why is the “Born in PPM” campaign an effective initiative to raise awareness about global warming?
Global warming is real and accelerating
PPM is an acronym for “parts per million”, the unit of measurement used to assess the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere.
The concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere is a key measure of global warming. This is because CO2 is a greenhouse gas that absorbs heat from the sun and helps warm the planet.
Scientific data shows that the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere has increased significantly in recent decades. In 1850, it was 284 parts per million (ppm). In 2022, it reached 417 ppm, with occasional peaks of 420 ppm. These figures have not been seen for 3 to 4 million years, an increase of 52%.
1850: 284 PPM
1900: 295 PPM (+11 points in 50 years)
1950: 311 PPM (+16 points in 50 years)
2000: 369 PPM (+58 points in 50 years)
Nov 2022: 417 PPM (+48 points in 22 years ! i.e. +109 points in 2050!)
It’s impressive.
It’s real.
This is measured by the IPCC, NASA and other scientific data.
This increase in CO2 concentration is due to human activity, particularly the combustion of fossil fuels.
The consequences of global warming are already visible around the world. These include rising temperatures, extreme weather events, melting ice and rising sea levels.
The “Born in PPM” campaign is effective in raising awareness about global warming
First of all, it is simple and easy to understand. Anyone can understand the symbolism of a number.
Secondly, it is very visual. Photos of people with a number written on their bodies are very impactful and attention-grabbing.
Third, it is personal. The numbers correspond to the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere at the time of their birth. This allows people to project themselves and understand the magnitude of the change that has occurred in their lifetime.
The “Born in PPM” campaign makes it possible to take action
Indeed, the campaign encourages people to take steps to reduce their impact on the environment. This can be done through simple actions, such as reducing energy consumption, sorting waste or eating less meat.
In the words of our CEO: “We all need to act. At all levels. Talking is good, but we also need to act! »
How can we act against global warming?
To contribute, do not hesitate to participate in this campaign. You can take a picture of yourself with your number and share it on social media.
Here are some other concrete ways you can participate in the fight against global warming:
- Reduce your energy consumption
- Sort your waste
- Eat less meat
- Choose local and seasonal products
- Encourage public transport, cycling or walking
- Supporting companies and organizations working to protect the environment
Together, we can make a difference.
Link to the Born in PPM project: https://borninppm.com/
