Stories of Collective Climate Action
Through storytelling, art, and dialogue, this art installation will show that together, we are stronger — and that hope, when acted upon collectively, leads to real climate impact.
Concept
Needlab has designed an art installation highlighting powerful stories of community-driven climate action from leaders around the world.
Needlab created these lamps in their honor — part of the broader “Echoes of Fight & Light” series — using unfired paper clay made from recycled paper, including shredded legal documents from environmental justice cases fought by Earthjustice. This process transforms the remnants of advocacy — once words on paper fighting for environmental protection — into luminous vessels of hope.
Symbolism & Process
Each of the featured leaders has selected an animal that symbolizes their journey and community action, rendered as motifs on the lamps.
Each lamp is more than a lighting fixture — it is an illuminating monument to perseverance, resilience, and renewal. By reimagining litigation documents as sources of gentle light, the project honors the fight for collective climate justice while offering a tangible symbol of hope.
In moments when hope feels scarce, these lights represent sparks of collective possibility — reminders that even in darkness, advocacy, care, and collective action for climate change can shine through.
Objectives
Inspire audiences by sharing real, tangible examples of collective climate action from diverse regions.
Demonstrate the power of art as a medium for climate storytelling and justice.
Foster connections among climate leaders, partners, and attendees to spark future collaborations.
Amplify hope as a strategic tool for mobilizing action at scale.
Exhibitions and Participatory discussions
Needlab hosted six events in New York City during Climate Week NYC 2025 and the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80). The installation brought together students, entrepreneurs, activists, and leaders to share stories of hope and action, inspiring reflection on how each of us can contribute to advancing climate justice.
Stories and climate dreams written by participants of the Stories of Collective Climate Action events. Photo Credit: Needlab
We thank Earthjustice for their remarkable work and for serving as both sponsor and partner, supporting us from ideation to the realization of this project.
Copyright Acknowledgement: All artworks, images, and fabrication processes are original creations by Needlab and artist Sameera Chukkapalli Holmes. © Needlab. All rights reserved. Images and content are the intellectual property of Needlab and Sameera Chukkapalli Holmes and may not be reproduced, distributed, or used without prior written permission.