Popeye
Interactive performance about climate engineering
Brief
In the face of an imminent global climate crisis and lack of global action, some scientists believe climate engineering is inevitable. In thinking of ways to mitigate the effects of climate change, what variables should go into risk assessment? Are technological fixes simply a manifestation of human’s perennial desires to control our environments? Popeye features an interactive machine with a SIM card and barometric sensor. The machine carries “rain-making bacteria” Pseudomonas syringae, which is released if specific weather conditions are met and launch permission is granted through a voting app. Through participatory performance and discussions, participants are encouraged to reflect on the implications of climate engineering critically.
Role
Collaboration with Rui An
Test-flight, Site Visits, Protein Extraction
The first prototype was controlled through text messages and was flown at a park at lower Manhattan. In the second iteration, the machine is controlled via a voting app, data is stored in a database, and an RC camera is attached at the bottom. We visited Governors Island several times for site visits to test the connectivity of our machine and the live camera feed. The biggest challenge is to navigate the limited internet connectivity on the island. We also extracted protein from tomato plants — which Pseudomonas syringae commonly infect.
Technology
Arduino 1500 GSM, Servo Motor, Lipo Battery, BME Humidity, Barometric Pressure, Temperature Sensor, SIM CardRC Camera
Voting app design
Weather data are sent from the sensor to database in real-time, once set condition is met, participants can begin to vote. The voting result, also stored in the database, is visualized in real-time.
Post-performance workshop
In the workshop, I introduced current climate engineering technologies, as well as the precautionary principle debate. I then asked the participants to vote on whether they will deploy the technology in different future scenarios.
Who are these 20%, 100,000 people [who will be affected by the potential damage of the new technology] — is it just a random sample of human being? It’s probably going to be people who are already suffering. There’s a mathematical calculation that you can do but there’s also a social justice dimension.
— A participant’s reflection
Credits
The Trust for Governors Island, Triangle Arts Association, Tom Igoe, Dr. Elizabeth Hénaff, Eugene Tan, Vince Shao, Shuju Lin and Ashley LeDesma.