By Iminza Keboge
Published January 14, 2024

Big Bang, another painting by Mbera, captures the significant environmental consequences, including air pollution from explosions, destruction of infrastructure leading to increased emissions and disruption of agricultural practices.The alarmingly high levels of pollution in the Gaza Strip have far-reaching consequences for the entire world. From air pollution to contaminated water sources, urgent action is needed to mitigate the damage to the environment. International cooperation and sustainable solutions are essential to address this pressing issue and safeguard the planet for future generations.

It is for this reason that Kenyan artist Robin Okeyo Mbera and Jeanne Kemp, a US American artist and teacher, have teamed up on a project titled Gaza Pollution: A Global Concern with a view to shedding light on the impact of the Israeli/Hamas war against climate change on Earth.

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The duo say they are looking for individuals and organisations who may grant them permission to use any photos they may have on the Israeli-Hamas conflict.

The consequences of the conflict are far-reaching, with economic sanctions, disrupted trade, and heightened geopolitical tensions being just a few examples. Moreover, the war has strained international relations and put peace efforts at risk. Additionally, it has contributed to environmental degradation, including deforestation and pollution. These interconnected effects emphasize the urgent need for diplomatic solutions to address these pressing global issues“These photos will be used to raise awareness about the impact of war on climate change. Our goal is to highlight the hidden voices and the various ways war affects the global community, such as suffering, insecurity, and lifestyle disruption,” they say. “We are also looking for potential collaborators who can contribute to our idea in various ways. These collaborations may involve securing funding, generating publicity, obtaining copyright permissions and acquiring suitable exhibition spaces. By partnering with institutions, engaging the public and collaborating with museums, they can effectively showcase their project and ultimately fulfill its intended purpose of peace and prosperity to make the world a better place for everyone.

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But why are they focusing on Israeli/Hamas conflict and not on the Russia/Ukraine one?

Because the Israeli/Hamas one is causing more damage through high levels of greenhouse emission,”Mbera says. “According to a January 2024 study, the first 60 days of the Israeli-Hamas war in Gaza produced 281,315 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent. This is more than the annual greenhouse gas (GHG) output of 20 countries.”

The art work not only touches on the impact of the conflict on the global economy, peace and climate change as Mbera joins the chorus of voices condemning the detrimental effects of this war but also symbolizes the suffering endured by people in both nations.That said, they have gone ahead to touch on the Russian/Ukrainian conflict in a painting by Robin Okeyo Mbera titled Bloody Flags#ll with the aim of raising public awareness and sensitising everyone on the importance of peace, love and unity around the world.

The art work not only touches on the impact of the conflict on the global economy, peace and climate change as Mbera joins the chorus of voices condemning the detrimental effects of this war but also symbolizes the suffering endured by people in both nations.

“The consequences of the conflict are far-reaching, with economic sanctions, disrupted trade, and heightened geopolitical tensions being just a few examples. Moreover, the war has strained international relations and put peace efforts at risk. Additionally, it has contributed to environmental degradation, including deforestation and pollution. These interconnected effects emphasize the urgent need for diplomatic solutions to address these pressing global issues,” the artists say.

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Coming back to the conflict in the Middle East, Mbera, who is better known as a sculptor than a painter, has created a painting titled Societal Friendship whose aim, he says, is to promote peace between Israel and Hamas and protect the universe from the vagaries of climate change.

“This visually stunning piece of art serves as a representation of the ongoing struggle and the crucial need for collaboration in the face of a global crisis,” he says.

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Red Hot, also by sculptor Mbera, aims to inspire peace between the two countries and end the ongoing conflict, which results in the loss of innocent lives. Big Bang, another painting by Mbera, captures the significant environmental consequences, including air pollution from explosions, destruction of infrastructure leading to increased emissions and disruption of agricultural practices.

“The long-term effects of such conflicts on climate change need to be addressed and mitigated,” he says.

Red Hot, also by sculptor Mbera, aims to inspire peace between the two countries and end the ongoing conflict, which results in the loss of innocent lives.

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