‘Melting away’: An ice sculpture drips with messages in Grand Army Plaza

By Gabe Friedman

“What do we want?”
“To end climate change!”
“When do we want it?”
“Now!”

The refrain filled the air on Saturday morning in front of Brooklyn Library’s Grand Army Plaza location, which has often been the hub of large peaceful demonstrations. But in this case, the chanting wasn’t being done as part of a huge rally. It emanated from a handful of members of local Girl Scout Troop 2414, who were feeling inspired by a large ice sculpture on display there.

The approximately 10-foot wide rectangular block of ice was filled with designed posters that featured slogans such as “One earth, one change,” “Brooklyn stand up” and “Climate justice is racial justice.” Passersby were encouraged to take photos in front of it and a nearby podium, also made of ice, which contained the words “Climate action now”—made of real snow. To the side sat a large machine that pressed images of one’s choosing—all climate change related, of course—onto free tote bags.

(Yasemin Tulça)

“In my opinion, if we don’t do things fast, it could be very dangerous, not only for ourselves, but also for animals, and the Earth,” said Emma, 10, who wore a “Hamilton” sweater, with the Broadway show’s signature star logo. She and some fellow scouts rubbed the sculpture, as if to make sure if it was truly ice. The whole scene attracted several curious onlookers, a CBS film crew and New York State Assemblymember JoAnne Simon, who gave a short speech.

The display was an initiative of the League of Conservation Voters’ New York chapter. Chapter president Julie Tighe said it was important how literal the sculpture idea was. She added that it was partially inspired by how upstate New York’s economy is so dependent on cold weather. Scientists say the global climate will warm by 1.5 degrees Celsius over the next few decades, which will severely impact everyday life.

“We can still act on climate, but the time to do that is melting away,” she said.

The LCV advocacy group is unique in that it lobbies for legislation but also focuses on mobilizing voters and encouraging them to vote in certain ways, on ballot propositions and the like. On a federal level, the group is pushing for the passing of President Joe Biden’s Build Back Better bill, which would allocate hundreds of billions of dollars to funding the production of cleaner energy sources. The New York chapter is currently pushing Gov. Kathy Hochul to pass a law mandating that all school buses in the state be electric (something that is law in New York City already). They’re also looking ahead to the ballot sheet in November’s midterm elections, which will ask New Yorkers to vote yes or no on a proposed $4 billion investment into keeping the state’s water and air clean, and to create clean jobs.

Emma and her friends ended their chat with a reporter on a serious note, but they then got promptly back to playing with the ice sculpture.

“[Climate change] is horrible, because one day it’s really hot, and the next day, it’s really cold,” said Evelyn, also 10. “And that’s weird!”

(Yasemin Tulça)