The Manhattan Climate Clock: why the climate clock is unfair

On Sept. 20, the Manhattan Climate Clock was unveiled in New York City. This clock displays two numbers — the amount of time we have until we run through our “carbon budget” and the percentage of energy in the world that’s renewably sourced. 

When I first heard of the climate clock, I was intrigued and originally thought it was a good idea. If people are constantly reminded about climate change, they’ll want to take action against it. But after thinking about it, the climate clock is focused on the wrong person. I would say the average person already wants to take action for our Earth. The corporations are the ones that don’t.

Before Sept. 20, the clock was just an unconventional clock that told time by how many hours were left in the day. Now, it’s providing a constant reminder of the climate crisis to the passerby. While spreading awareness about climate change is important, there is only so much of a difference one person can make. Large corporations are the ones that need to be held accountable for their impact on climate change, the New Yorkers walking to grab their morning bagels don’t have nearly as large of a role.

There are plenty of ways we can reduce our carbon footprint. We could walk to the grocery store just a few blocks away. We can carry reusable bags when running errands. We could opt for the vegetarian option at dinner. But in the end, none of this would create as much change as holding corporations responsible.

In 2010, a BP oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico exploded, dumping 130 million gallons of oil into the ocean, according to National Geographic. To this day, coral and fish living in the Gulf of Mexico are facing decreasing populations. 

Let’s talk about the people behind the climate clock though: the climate clock was created by Gan Golan and Andrew Boyd to spread awareness and invoke change. The website goes the extra mile, linking a GoFundMe fundraiser to “Help Put Up Climate Clocks Everywhere.” The description says, “If we are to survive, we need a constant, public reminder of our deadline — everywhere.” 

While that’s an interesting approach, those donations won’t necessarily change anything on the larger scale. For example, if all of those people spoke up and worked to create change within those large corporations, that’s when real change could be made. It’s about action, not just a clock.

In April, when stay-at-home orders were in place, emissions were down 17% from last year, according to National Geographic. But in June, emissions were only down 5% from the previous year. Stay-at-home orders were still in effect in June, but factories had reopened. 

Sure, the decrease in emissions was partly due to most of the population staying at home, but the majority was caused by the closing of factories.

Change is possible. We saw it in April. A hundred people glancing at the climate clock won’t bring change. The change we need will be backed by the government. The government needs to hold these corporations and industries responsible for the mess they created. 

The climate clock does not belong in the streets. It belongs outside the steps of the capitol in D.C., where it might encourage lawmakers to spark change.