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Climate Change is the most pervasive and threatening crisis of our time and it will have a major impact on every aspect of life, for all global citizens. Research shows that if we continue along our current path of consumption and production, the consequences will be devastating, having implications on where we live, how we grow our food and the other services which are vital to our well-being.
It is therefore essential that we improve our knowledge of our planet’s climate system, as the Climate Change Emergency we currently face requires immediate action.
Since 2011, BNP Paribas has positioned Climate Change as the priority focus of its efforts, given its role in the financing of the global economy, particularly the energy sector.
The ‘BNP Paribas Commitments for the Environment’ which were updated in 2017 reaffirmed this proactive approach while making a formal commitment to extend them to biodiversity, water, air, natural resources and the circular economy. Therefore as an extension of these sustained efforts, BNP Paribas Middle East & Africa, in partnership with The Supreme Council for Environment and Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) launched ‘Climate, the 360° Exhibition’ in Bahrain and the Middle East for the first time ever, in an opening ceremony attended by special guests and scientists from all over the world.
Supported under the remit of BNP Paribas Foundation’s Climate Initiative programme which was established in 2010, Climate, the 360° Exhibition was created by la Cité des sciences et de l’industrie to familiarise the general public, BNP Paribas employees and the bank’s business partners with the global threat of climate change.
The travelling exhibition is based on the latest climate news and scientific data flows, and discusses four major topics: the results of climate observation; the causes of global warming; forecasts by climatologists and proposed preventive measures. This dialogue allows visitors to understand the consequences of Climate Change for themselves, and how they can play a role in limiting the negative impact of human behaviour on our climate.
At the opening event, which was held on October 31 at Studio 244, Arad, welcome speeches were given by Dr Mohamed Mubarak Bin Daina, chief executive of the Supreme Council for Environment, Her Excellency Shaikha Hala bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, director general of culture & art (BACA) and Jacques Michel, head of Middle East & Africa, BNP Paribas.
These introductory remarks were then followed by an in depth presentation by the director of research and environment at the Climate and Environment Sciences Laboratory, Paris, Philippe Ciais who presented on the exhibition’s key research and intended impact.
To add further diversity, the event also included the perspective of multiple Bahraini organisations and representatives tackling Climate Change in their respective capacity and jurisdiction through a ‘deep diving’ panel discussion. Phillppe Cais, the Researcher and Scientist who presented at the event revealed that The aim of Climate, the 360° Exhibition was to support research on climate change and share the most up to date information with an international audience. It is my great pleasure to be in Bahrain as the Climate, 360 Ambassador supported by BNP Paribas.
So far, Climate, the 360° Exhibition has been on display in more than 16 countries around the world and has come to the Middle East for the first time ever. The exhibition will be open until November 14 from Sunday-Thursday from 4pm-8pm. Email sent from the Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities.
