In Rochdale, a town in Greater Manchester, England, a colossal wooden figure resembling a child has been erected, sparking controversy and debate among locals and observers. The 8.5-meter tall installation, named "Lilly," is part of an initiative to encourage children to discuss climate change.
The author, a 42-year-old prone to nightmares, expresses concern about the figure's unsettling appearance, drawing comparisons to the horror character Chucky and Frankenstein's creation. This reaction echoes the sentiments of many Rochdale residents, who have described the installation as "freaky" and disturbing.
Extinction Rebellion, an environmental movement founded in 2018, has previously used dramatic visual tactics to draw attention to climate issues. The Rochdale installation appears to be a continuation of this trend, raising questions about the effectiveness of such approaches in environmental messaging.
Rochdale Council has defended the installation, stating:
"Lilly, the 8.5-metre baby will be part of the Wild Wanders event next month. After waking up to meet local children, they sang to her and she was soon back asleep. She's invited hundreds of local schoolchildren to come and meet her this week, to find out what they think about the future of our environment."
Critics argue that using public funds for such installations amounts to propaganda, especially given the financial constraints often faced by local councils. While climate change is acknowledged as a significant issue, the use of potentially frightening imagery to engage children has been questioned.
The Wild Wanders event, scheduled for October 2024, aims to showcase a vision of a "biodiverse, carbon neutral, beautiful and sustainable" world. However, concerns persist about the psychological impact of the giant figure on young attendees.
Environmental education for children has become increasingly common in recent years, reflecting growing awareness of climate change issues. However, the effectiveness of shock tactics in environmental messaging remains a subject of debate among experts.
The Rochdale installation highlights the challenges of balancing public art, environmental activism, and responsible use of public resources. As local governments face scrutiny over spending decisions, projects like "Lilly" raise important questions about the most appropriate and effective ways to engage communities, especially children, in discussions about climate change and environmental sustainability.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether this unconventional approach will achieve its intended goal of promoting meaningful dialogue about climate change, or if it will inadvertently discourage children from engaging with these critical issues.