Sri Lanka’s First Climate Clock to Tick at the EDEX Expo 2024, Sounding the Alarm on Our Warming Future
As Sri Lanka prepares for EDEX Expo 2024, which is the island’s pioneer and largest education fair going on its 20th year, the Expo is set to introduce Sri Lanka’s first-ever climate clock, providing an ideal platform to convey the urgent message: “Now is the time for action against climate change”. The EDEX Expo is scheduled be held at the Sri Lanka Exhibition & Convention Centre (SLECC) on the 9th, 10th and 11th of February and at the Kandy City Centre (KCC) on the 17th and 18th of February, 2024.
Amidst the various activities at the upcoming EDEX Expo 2024, a stark reminder of our planet’s plight will be highlighted, with the climate clock on display at the EDEX Expo, 2024. This monumental installation, spearheaded by EDEX Think Green, the sustainability arm of the EDEX initiative, is not just a timepiece; it’s a clarion call to action for Sri Lanka and the world.
Sri Lanka, an island paradise blessed with diverse ecosystems, is acutely vulnerable to the escalating climate crisis. Rising sea levels threaten coastal communities, extreme weather events disrupt agriculture, and unpredictable rainfall patterns are jeopardising food security. While Sri Lanka has consistently been placed among the top ten countries at risk of extreme weather events by the Global Climate Risk Index, the current El Niño event further amplifies these concerns, potentially leading to droughts and floods, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities. In this critical juncture, climate education becomes a vital weapon in our arsenal.
Commenting, Chairman of EDEX, Mr. Mahinda Galagedara said “The EDEX Expo has always been about empowering the youth to chart their future. This year, we are extending our reach to encompass their planet’s future as well. The climate clock is a testament to our commitment to sustainability and our belief that education is the key to building a resilient future.”
EDEX Think Green, recognising this urgency, has embarked on a mission to educate young minds and their families to become responsible environmental stewards. The climate clock serves as a powerful symbol, reminding us of the ticking clock on our planet’s health and the need for collective action, thus kicking-off a series of climate education and climate action activities, aimed at educating and preparing children and young people to be resilient in the face of climate crises.
Mr. Nadun Hettiarachchi, Project Chairman of the EDEX Expo, 2024, was keen on leveraging the Expo’s reach in this worthy cause, stating that “The EDEX Expo is more than just an education fair; it’s a catalyst for change. With the climate clock, we aim to spark conversations, ignite curiosity, and inspire young people to become agents of positive change in the face of the climate crisis.”
Thousands of students and parents converge at this annual event, creating an ideal space to raise awareness and inspire action. The climate clock, strategically positioned at the expo, will serve as a constant reminder of the urgency of climate action, engaging young minds and influencing family discussions. The symbolic climate clock at the EDEX Expo, 2024, is a testament to the power of collaboration. The Academy of Design (AOD), the “Official Design Partner” of the Expo, has lent its creative expertise to bring this vital message to life. This partnership underscores the importance of collective action, uniting diverse voices and talents in the fight against climate change.
Mr. Shahul Rikaz, Director - EDEX Think Green added that, “The climate clock is not just a symbol; it’s a call to action. We want to empower students and families to become informed, engaged citizens, demanding sustainable practices and holding leaders accountable for their actions.”