Toward 2050 overview taken from a nearby desert mountain. (photo courtesy of Bill Timmerman, Timmerman Photography)

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. ​

Textile work from makers from 45 U.S. states and 9 countries have become important parts of TOWARD 2050, which has culminated in this immersive installation at Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona - February 8th through June 1st of 2025. Makers were called to create environmentally themed, textile panels in the style of “prayer flags”. Our goal was to collect enough double sided flags to define the pathways of ​this interactive labyrinth experience. That goal was met thanks to the generousity and commitment of all the makers participating in this project. 

The TOWARD 2050 project unfolds 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 began with THE PARTICIPATING MAKERS. They have used 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. Makers were encouraged to re-use materials they already have to create their own interpretation of beloved elements of our environment. Once signed up, makers were sent a packet with detailed instructions, cotton tags to add to their flag panels, and postcards to send to their lawmakers.

SEE PHOTOS OF INDIVIDUAL FLAGS

2 - SEND POSTCARDS TO LAWMAKERS

A critical step in this project will be to send urgent messages to our 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 makers to add their personal message as well. Once signed up, makers received a postcard for each flag they signed up to make. 

Resource to connect with lawmakers

3 - BUILD THE LABYRINTH

Makers sent the flags to the project organizers in Phoenix, to be used to build and define the pathways for the colossal labyrinth at Desert Botanical Garden. Visitors now have the opportunity to see this amazing work and appreciate nearly 5000 flag panels that have come together to create the labyrinth. Not only does this work inspire contemplation about climate and our environment, but visitors also step over thresholds as they
make their way through the labyrinth, year by year, ever closer
to the year 2050 - all combining to build awareness and
​foster responsibility.

explore photos of Toward 2050

4 - RE-MAKE FLAGS INTO BLANKETS

As  this project unfolds,  both panels of the flags 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. If YOU want 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 !