Environmental group Greenpeace Taiwan has unveiled a carbon neutral art installation at this year’s Lantern Festival. They say the piece aims to call attention to efforts to reach net-zero carbon emissions for major events in Taiwan. At a press conference on Friday, Greenpeace said their light installation was the first in Taiwan to be powered completely by renewable energy.
Greenpeace campaign director Lena Chang (張皪心) says the Taiwan Lantern Festival in Taipei requires a significant amount of electricity. She says the festival’s carbon footprint is equal to more than 2,000 automobiles.
Chang says their installation is powered by solar energy, making its carbon footprint nearly zero. She adds the installation is interactive and will convey the important message of striving towards net-zero carbon emissions.
Chang says the motivation behind this installation is to show the government and people that net-zero carbon emissions in artwork is feasible. She said their installation will only use one-tenth of the energy required to power other artworks.
She hopes other large-scale events, such as the Christmasland in New Taipei City and annual award ceremonies will adopt net-zero carbon efforts.