Public art installations often generate critical discussion–sometimes the discussion is about the art itself, sometimes it's about the point of view behind the art. Christo's Gates in Central Park tended to generate more discussion about the art, while an upcoming installation in Chicago is intended to provoke discussion about a problem–global warming–and its potential solutions.

Titled Cool Globes: Hot Ideas For A Cooler Planet, the objective of this innovative project is to

use the medium of public art to inspire individuals and organizations to take action against global warming.

From June-September 2007, 

over 100 extraordinary globes will be displayed along the lakefront using a variety of materials to create awareness and provoke discussion about potential solutions to global warming. Solutions that can be put into practice every day…at home, on the job and in your school.

The public grand opening is scheduled for next Friday June 1 at The Field Museum Campus, with daily tours and kids activities planned throughout the summer.

Throughout the summer, Chicagoans and other exhibit visitors will be challenged to implement five changes in their daily lives or business operations to combat global warming. Pledges can be made at the CoolGlobes and Chicago Sun-Times Web sites. At the end of the summer, a raffle will be held to award a Toyota Prius to one of the pledge participants.

 There's also a business leaders roundtable scheduled for June 11 at the Kellogg School of Management's Alien Center in Evanston.

According to the project description:

CoolGlobes is being launched in Chicago because of the City’s leadership and dedication to promoting environmentally sound policies. Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley’s goal is to make our city the greenest in the nation through the promotion of environmental programs and practices, including a bike initiative, adding hybrid buses to the city’s mass transit system, and building “green” libraries, public schools and police stations. Mayor Daley is serving as honorary co-chair of the CoolGlobes project.

Kudos to Cool Globes organizers and the City of Chicago! Let's hope Cool Globes generates lots of discussion and useful ideas about how to effectively combat global warming.

Carbon Neutral Journal's kudos are brought to you by Grand Targhee Resort.

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