The aerial art installation by artist John Quigley and renowned photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand was a unique mix of human installation (people who stand to form images and phrases), aerial photography, and political activism that created large-scale messages for the common good. Focusing on themes of ecological balance, human rights, democracy, health, social justice, and freedom, the aerial art liberated the spirit and inspired unity and creative activation through community participation. This special event for the UNFCCC COP21 climate negotiations in Paris was a production of Spectral Q and Dancing Without Borders.

The event took place at Champ de Mars, 21 Place Joffre Paris, IDF 75007 (At the Peace Wall, Eiffel Tower in background).

#WomenClimateJustice speakers included:

• Chief Caleen Sisk, Winnemen Wintu Tribal Chief and Spiritual Leader
• Wahleah Johns, Black Mesa Water Coalition, Navajo Green Jobs (North America)
• Titilope Ngozi Akosa, Center for 21st Century Issues in Nigeria (Africa)
• Prachi Rao, Women’s Earth and Development Organization (Australia)
• Maria Alejandra Rodriguez Acha, Tierra Activa (Peru)

Why we did this work:

Women, particularly those in developing countries, are on the frontlines of the changing climate, yet women have been severely underrepresented at high levels of policymaking around global environmental concerns. Women remain a notable minority in climate negotiations at both the national and international levels, and even though media coverage of climate change has increased significantly, only 15 percent of those interviewed on climate to date have been women.

Women remain a notable minority in climate negotiations at both the national and international levels, and even though media coverage of climate change has increased significantly, only 15 percent of those interviewed on climate to date have been women.

Women are providing key solutions to climate change while often struggling with and adapting to the effects of climate change in their day-to-day lives. Their voices matter. Their solutions need to be heard.

The event was co-sponsored by Mairie de Paris, Sierra Club, Namaste Foundation, Here Now, Greenpeace, Schools Without Borders, #ListenParis2015, IllumTV, WE CAN, IRENA, #Go100percent, Greenpeace and Women Environment and Development Organization (WEDO).