On Saturday 26th October, Synchronicity Earth hosted a magical evening at London’s Whitechapel Gallery. Called “What on Earth?” the event created a space for guests to consider what we’re doing to our planet and how we can change.
The evening began with a stunning and arresting visual narrative by Mattias Klum, award-winning National Geographic photographer and film-maker, and Johan Rockström, Executive Director of the Stockholm Resilience Centre. Their beautiful presentation warned of the implications of crossing nine scientifically established ‘planetary boundaries’ and outlined our likelihood of doing so if we don’t transform our current – environmentally destructive – behaviour.
After a delicious, vegetarian meal, we were delighted to hear the beautiful, world-renowned singer and songwriter, Alison Sudol, (IUCN Goodwill Ambassador and known professionally as A Fine Frenzy), accompanied by Gabe Noel on cello and electric bass, play an impassioned and thought-provoking set. Their ethereal music rounded off the evening, reminding us that sound plays a huge role in nature.
Indeed, as Laura mentioned in her introduction to Synchronicity Earth’s work:
“The images we saw earlier – thanks to Mattias and Johan – portray some of the noisiest, most fragrant, vibrant, ALIVE places in the world.
Imagine if they stopped existing – that the rhythm of life itself, from rivers flowing, leaves rustling, the flapping of wings, the hums, yelps and song of living creatures just stopped.
It’s already getting quieter.
It’s being overwhelmed by the cacophony of our mechanised, urbanised system.
Imagine if the drills and the planes, the cars and the horns and the drone of electricity was all that was left – except, if it was, there would be no one to hear.
We don’t want to let that happen! Synchronicity Earth exists to help promote the harmonious survival of all life”
