Storm Warning: What does climate change mean for coastal communities?

‘Storm Warning’ is a collaborative project between Focal Point Gallery, Southend-on-Sea and Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange, Penzance, which seeks to raise awareness of the impact of the climate crisis on coastal communities in South Essex and Cornwall.  Climate change and global warming are no longer distant concepts. Year-on-year, world records for floods, heatwaves and droughts are being broken, with devastating effects for communities. This is all a result of human activity, in particular, the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) that is released through burning fossil fuels in homes, factories, and transport. The scale of the climate crisis, and the change that needs to happen to counteract this situation often seems overwhelming and unachievable to individuals. Yet, everyone can play a part in the transition to a low-carbon society.

For the exhibition at Focal Point Gallery, we have invited artists Angela YT Chan, Rebecca Chesney with Lubaina Himid, Wyrd Flora, Joey Holder, Harun Morrison, Something & Son, and David Watkins to explore issues and research into the impact of climate change, and work being done to respond to this crisis, particularly for those living in coastal communities. The resulting artworks and engagement projects have inspired us to look at how we can be more environmentally responsible at our two collaborating venues. Find out about more Focal Point Gallery’s Environmental Commitments.

We hope the exhibition will also inspire visitors to find out more, get involved and take positive climate action to protect our natural world and own living environments. One aim of this project is to highlight work already taking place by partners at the forefront of climate action, such as Cornwall Wildlife Trust and Essex Wildlife Trust, Southend City Council, and The Environment Agency, through projects piloting pioneering nature-based solutions to reach carbon-neutral objectives in both Cornwall and Essex.