The popularity of the interactive photostream, in which visitors fulfill the exhibition’s mission to “envision a shared future when the planet and people flourish together,” underscores the findings of Rare’s nationwide Climate Culture Index study: Americans are more likely to adopt climate-positive behaviors if they think peers are doing so too. The study shows that an attitude of “what difference can one person make?” tends to change with the epiphany that hundreds, thousands and even millions of people share the same viewpoint and are willing to do their part, no matter how small or inconsequential their individual choices may seem.

The Climate Culture Index shows that few respondents realize how many of their neighbors share their beliefs on actions like purchasing an electric vehicle or energy-retrofitting their homes. 6 out of 10 survey takers believed people should consider installing solar panels, but only 3 out of 10 thought the people around them believed the same! To encourage others to take action, we need to realize that people want to and are acting in climate-positive ways. The index results show a normative bubble, waiting to be popped; the result could be rapid shifts in behavior.

The fact that more than 175 photos have been shared of Our Time on Earth so far is further proof of progress. When we share our actions and our beliefs, we inspire others to follow suit. This ripple effect gains strength with each shared commitment and builds into swells powerful enough to make a lasting impact on social norms around climate change.

In the hopes of leaving you inspired to share your message of hope, I will share mine: In a time of climate chaos, action is hope for our beautiful planet Earth.

Our Time on Earth runs through June 9, 2024 and is presented as a part of PEM’s Climate + Environment Initiative. Many of the labels in the exhibition include QR codes that link to additional content, including a digital Exhibition Guide that includes artist and contributor statements for each work. The exhibition’s Be the Change zone will host activation events on April 27, May 4, May 11 and June 1. Visitors can ask experts their questions and explore local and regional efforts to address climate change. If you’re inspired by the exhibition, you can also leave a response on the visitor contributions wall, make a climate action pledge at the Count Us In station or submit an image of hope to the live social feed with the hashtag #OurTimeonEarth. Learn more at pem.org/otoe.

Our Time on Earth is produced and curated by the Barbican with guest curators FranklinTill and co-produced by Musée de la civilisation, Québec City, Canada. This exhibition is made possible by Carolyn and Peter S. Lynch and The Lynch Foundation. We thank James B. and Mary Lou Hawkes, Chip and Susan Robie, and Timothy T. Hilton as supporters of the Exhibition Innovation Fund. We also recognize the generosity of the East India Marine Associates of the Peabody Essex Museum.

Frank Lowenstein leads community work within Rare’s Climate Culture program, focusing on developing and proving out strategies to help communities and people in Greater Boston take climate action. Rare’s Solar Helping Ignite Neighborhood Economies (SHINE) is a flagship initiative aiming to bring climate positive behaviors to historically marginalized communities in Boston for both climate benefits and community-led economic development. Lowenstein joined Rare in October 2021, and brings 30 years of leadership in conservation and climate to Rare’s efforts, as well as deep knowledge of New England’s people, landscapes and culture. He previously served as Chief Operating Officer of New England Forestry Foundation, then the third largest land trust in the nation by area, as well as Global Climate Adaptation Strategy Leader for The Nature Conservancy. He teaches in the Masters of Sustainability program at Harvard Extension School and is the author of three books, including Voices of Protest and Clothed in Bark. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and a Masters of Science from the University of Vermont.