Native Flags at the North Pole | video

As the Arctic sea ice melts, nations clamor to raise their flags over newly open waters to claim the natural resources that lie beneath them - oil, manganese, diamonds, fish - and to control shipping lanes.  Meanwhile, rising sea levels threaten the world below.  

On June 29th, 2008, Miami artist Xavier Cortada arrived at the North Pole and planted a green flag to "reclaim it for nature.”  

Cortada created this NYFA sponsored artist project to engage people globally to help slow the polar thaw: Participants plant a native tree next to a green flag at home and ask their neighbors to do the same.

Reforestation reduces the greenhouse gases that cause global climate change. 

During December 3-6, 2009, ecoartspace is presenting Native Flags at the Verge Art Fair in Miami Beach, Florida.

 

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