How climate data gives me the feels

The emotional rollercoaster behind painting my most complicated piece

Sunday I painted the most complicated piece I’ve ever made in 6 hours. I painted a graphic from the IPCC report to show how current and future generations could have different experiences with climate change. I created a gradient of 18 colors representing a variety of global temperature change scenarios. 

Nicole Kelner @NicoleKelner

How current and future generations could have different experiences with climate change

I painted the chart to scale perfectly, which was a math challenge to make sure every single stroke was accurate to the original data. Then there was an emotional challenge. With the hundreds of tiny brush strokes, it created a uniquely tactile experience of feeling each of the warming scenarios.  

In the worst case scenario I used purple to represent the highest temperature change. I had to use so much purple. I felt anxiety in my body as I finished this row, seeing it encompass all 18 colors. 

For the “best case” scenario where emissions are “very low” I used orange to represent staying at 1.5 ℃ warming above pre-industrial levels.  I was able to use orange the entire row for that scenario. I felt slightly relieved, my anxiety calming.

The difference I felt while painting these brush strokes was startling. Depicting these warming scenarios with a paintbrush the size of a chia seed felt very intimate. 

I could feel this information as I painted it and I thought about what our days would feel like in that purple world.

I think that is part of why I like to paint climate solutions. When I paint about solutions, I feel the hope and the possibility of the future I want us to create together. It makes me want to work harder and provides me with motivation.

This painting process was a vivid reminder of the community working to keep us and our future generations in the orange. 

Life updates:

• Earth day merch is live and will come in time if you order soon! Check it out here.

• Creativity Circles for climate folks is gonna be a thing! I’m working on the curriculum and logistics now. If you are interested in that, fill out this form.

• I’m coming to LA + SF in less than a month! I’ll be in LA April 27-30 and SF April 30-May 5. Shoot me a message if you want to meet up, I’ll be organizing some stuff.

Ways to support me:

• 📗 Buy my book! It’s a great coffee table book for yourself, your office, or your nerdy climate friend.

Melissa Alfano @MelPoweredUp

@jenbristol_ and @JasmileDeJesus I bought the book.

Client Spotlight

I loved getting to work with GridRewards to think about the small changes we can make at home to make a big difference!

Nicole Kelner @NicoleKelner

The toolkit we all need to fight climate change at home! 🔨🏡 I loved getting to work with @getgridrewards to think about the small changes we can make at home to make a big difference⚡️

GridRewards @getgridrewards

These are our weapons for change- from smart thermostats to electric vehicles to GridRewards, we have the power in our hands to make a difference with one small change at a time. Thanks, @NicoleKelner !💚🌎 https://t.co/yAcre7XLje