Project rendering, courtesy of Sophie Jacobs, Desert Botanical Garden.

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the United Nations body for assessing the science related to climate change, global climate is on track to increase by 1.5° C by 2040, and with that, irreparable damage will likely be done to earth’s ecosystems if our course is not changed decisively and with haste. In the IPCC’s Climate Change 2023: Synthesis Report, clear goals and pathways have been defined to reverse our emissions of green house gases - 50% by 2030, and to arrive at net zero emissions by 2050, keeping the global rise in temperature to under 1.5° C in perpetuity.

Hence, 2050 marks a very important point in our human history - 25 years from the year of the installation of the TOWARD 2050 project at Desert Botanical Garden in 2025. ​

YOUR textile work can become an important part of TOWARD 2050, which will culminate in this immersive installation at
Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona - February through May of 2025. Makers are called to create environmentally themed, folded textile panels in the style of “prayer flags”. Our goal is to collect at least 2600 double sided flags, (5200 panels), to define the pathways of ​this interactive labyrinth experience. 

The TOWARD 2050 project will unfold in four parts:

Example textiles made by: (top/bot) LInda Neuman - St. Anthony's Village, MN; Susan Lockett - Vancouver, WA; Kay Puente - Salem, OR

1 - PARTICIPATE TO MAKE FLAGS

This project begins with YOU. Use any of  these techniques: weaving, sewn/pieced, embroidered, applique, screen print/block print fabric, resist dyed fabric - or any combination of these techniques to make doubled sided flags. (Knitted or crocheted flags are acceptable, but MUST be backed with a lightweight, stabilizing cloth backer). Makers are encouraged to re-use materials you already have to create your own interpretation of beloved elements of our environment. (The flags are 10" x 21"/folded in half with a 1/2" pocket at the top.) Once you sign up, we'll send you a packet with detailed instructions, cotton tags to add to your flag panels, and postcards to send to your lawmakers.

sign up!

2 - SEND POSTCARDS TO LAWMAKERS

A critical step in this project will be to send urgent messages to your lawmakers - in Washington DC or locally - wherever there is legislation being debated that should consider embedded climate mitigation policies. These cards carry their own message, but there is space for you to add your own as well. Once you sign up, you'll receive a postcard for each flag you sign up to make. 

Resource to connect with lawmakers

3 - BUILD THE LABYRINTH

Makers will send the flags to the project organizers in Phoenix, so that they can be used to build and define the pathways for the colossal labyrinth at Desert Botanical Garden. Visitors will have the opportunity to see your work and appreciate over 5000 flag panels that will come together to create the labyrinth. Not only will your work inspire contemplation about climate and our environment, but visitors will step over thresholds within the labyrinth, year by year, ever closer to the year 2050 - all combining to build awareness and foster responsibility.

keep track of our progress

4 - RE-MAKE FLAGS INTO BLANKETS

As  this project unfolds,  both panels of each flag will be re-purposed to create blankets that will then be donated to people affected by the next climate related catastrophe(s) that sadly, will surely happen as we have seen all too clearly in recent years. Stay tuned for the call for blanket-making volunteers that will go out as the project progresses. BUT - if you want to be sure to be included as a blanket maker, click below to send an email so we can get you on the list for this project activity.

be a blanket maker

WE DEPEND ON YOU TO
TELL OTHERS ABOUT TOWARD 2050
​ITS SUCCESS DEPENDS ON SPREADING THE WORD !