Cool Globes: Hot Ideas for a Cooler Planet

Cool Globes: Hot Ideas for a Cooler Planet is a public art project dedicated to increasing awareness of global warming.

A nonprofit corporation, "Cool Globes: Hot Ideas for a Cooler Planet" sponsored a Chicago public art exhibit of 125 5-foot-diameter (1.5 m) globes decorated with solutions to global warming, placed in Grant Park near the Field Museum of Natural History, the Shedd Aquarium, and along the lakefront bike path during the summer of 2007.

The project is similar to the popular "Cows on Parade" exhibit of 1999, but with a social conscience. The Cool Globes adopts the idea of Berlin 's town mascot; the entailing United Buddy Bears exhibitions are very different from all other urban events. The bears were created by the German artists Klaus and Eva Herlitz. The idea and the philosophy behind the United Buddy Bears exhibitions are unique: with its international approach and its symbolism, this synthesis of the arts globally promotes tolerance, international understanding and a peaceful coexistence.

"Cool Globes: Hot Ideas for a Cooler Planet" was conceived by environmental activist Wendy Abrams. In 2006, Chicago and world artists were asked to submit designs for solutions to global warming. Each globe was to be sponsored by an individual, company or organization. Completed globes were mounted along bicycle trails in Grant Park north of the Field Museum of Natural History, on Navy Pier, and along Michigan Avenue. The project included an opening gala, environmental education in public schools, and a children's contest, "Cool Globes for Cool Kids", which exhibited in the Chicago Children's Museum. After the exhibit ended in September 2007, some of the globes were auctioned off and the proceeds used to fund environmental programs in Chicago Public Schools. The project was sponsored by the Clinton Global Initiative, the Field Museum of Natural History, Exelon and others.

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