A new exhibition in London showcases artworks that visualize the potential impacts of climate change on well-known global landmarks, including Venice, the Giant’s Causeway, Iguazu Falls, and the Seine River. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the environmental consequences of technology consumption.
Mark Maslin, a professor of earth system science at University College London, utilized climate modeling to assess both minimal and severe potential damages at these sites by the end of the century. Artists interpreted his findings for the exhibition at the Last Shot Gallery, produced in collaboration with the refurbished technology marketplace Back Market. The artworks are not intended as precise forecasts but as representations meant to raise consciousness about the risks posed by climate deterioration.
Maslin highlighted that the environmental effects linked to tech usage account for approximately 6% of human-induced climate change, which is reportedly twice that of the aviation sector. He noted the general lack of awareness regarding how frequently replaced electronic devices contribute to pollution and climate change. Furthermore, the exhibition aims to illuminate the connection between everyday technology use and broader environmental issues.
The ecological effects of fast technology stem from resource extraction, including materials such as tantalum, cobalt, and tin, as well as the challenge of e-waste disposal, which can release harmful emissions and contaminate soil and water. In response, the European Union has introduced legislation to combat built-in obsolescence, including proposals for universal chargers.
In June 2024, the EU set forth a directive requiring manufacturers to facilitate repairs for a wider array of electronics while expanding legal guarantees. In the UK, regulations aimed at certain appliances have been in effect since 2021, though their effectiveness has come under scrutiny.
As electronic waste continues to rise—reaching a record 62 million tonnes in 2022—experts stress the necessity for society to reconsider its approach to technology. The exhibition runs until October 17 at the Last Shot Gallery in central London.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/oct/17/overconsumption-before-after-images-tech-harm-planet