Stormvarning is a non-profit organization determined to bring the issue of climate change into the public consciousness in an accessible, funky and attention-arresting manner. It aims to do so by creating a platform for discussion and involving citizens directly in the problem solving, approaching the subject with hope and optimism. This summer they’re launching a series of events named Art + Science, bringing artists, musicians, scientists, and the public together for various activities and discussions. This will be followed by a collaboration with Parkteatern at the end of the summer, where big names from both the Swedish music scene – such as Magnus Carlson from Weeping Willows, Janne Schaffer, The Tiny and Georg and Sarah Riedel – and the science community will take to the stage in Vitabergsparken for the project’s official kick-off.
Initiator and chairperson Rebecka Segerström talked to TS about the past, present, and future of the organization.
How was this idea born?
It really started at the kitchen table at home, born out of frustration and the feeling that most scientific communication efforts weren’t using the marketing tricks that are employed for everything from shoe brands and beverage commercials to political campaigns. My background is in sustainability science research, while my boyfriend was working with communications and marketing, so we started to discuss how to bring marketing and communications experts to embrace the greatest challenge of our generation.
The catalysing point, however, was a meeting with the founder of a Finnish movement called Myrskyvaroitus (‘storm warning’ in Finnish), who in early 2013 had just had their first gathering of Finnish artists and musicians to spark interest in climate change. Although I met this man, Jouni Keronen, in a purely scientific context, he took the opportunity to tell me about their movement and to urge Sweden to do the same, and now here we are. Today we work as two parallel organizations, with activities based on what we believe is most valuable to build this movement in Finland and Sweden respectively, but with the same goals regarding engagement and activity for our shared climate. We have never had the goal to become a large organisation, but rather a platform to help create a bridge between science and music.
How has the response been since you started?
Overwhelming in several ways. The thing I appreciate most is getting the confirmation that the music and sustainability research communities can fit together. It has been a lot easier than I thought to get academics on board as both partners and contributors to our activities, and the musicians and artists we have reached out to have mostly responded very positively.
How do you hope Stockholm will change over the next five years when it comes to the issue of climate change, and how do you hope to inspire that change?
Our aim is to be a part of restarting the conversation about the climate from an optimistic standpoint. The international research community has clearly stated that there still is a development path available to avoid the really dangerous climate change. However, that path needs large-scale action, from brave politicians and leaders in society. Stormvarning wants to help create the buzz that is needed and the engagement of our citizens that gives politicians a mandate to be brave.
I hope that in five years the entire Swedish society has started to push through ambitious actions that moves us towards being the best in the world when it comes to climate change action. We will inspire that change together with many great organisations and movements, where Stormvarning provides a clear link between the science that we need to act upon, and the music and creativity that we need in order to help motivate that action and pump up the energy.
What can Stockholmers do on a personal level to affect a positive change?
Many organisations have produced great lists of what can be done on an individual level as a consumer. What Stormvarning wants to emphasize is the collective power that we have, the ability as citizens to push politics with our democratic power. And music is a great way to get people to open up, to both each other and to new thoughts. So most of all my wish is for everyone talk about this! By all means think about what you do (and can do) in your everyday life – but don’t keep your thoughts to yourself. If we don’t talk about this, how will we know what decisions are good and not, and whether we’re on the right track towards change?
The next Art + Science event is on 8/8
The Stormvarning kick-off is on 25/8
kulturhusetstadsteatern.se/parkteatern/Evenemang/2014/Stormvarning
