Midstory Debuts Interactive Series and Data Arts Exhibit. "Colors of Climate Change," at Main Library in Toledo

Daily Dose  |  06/28/2024 3:00 pm

“Colors of Climate Change” is a new data storytelling project that explores climate change in Ohio, unpacking topics like natural disasters, agriculture, public health, economics, biodiversity and more through data and insights from scientists, policymakers, farmers, educators and other experts. Originally released as interactive data stories (explore episode 1 here), the project takes physical form in a data arts installation held throughout the month of July at the Main branch of the Toledo Lucas County Public Library. Open to the public, the exhibit features a life-size greenhouse, towering data visuals and even some inclement weather.

On July 27th, 2024 at 1pm, Midstory will host a public reception at the same location. The event’s keynote address is by Pam Dempsey, the program director of the Data-Drive Reporting Project at the Knight Lab of Northwestern University. Ohio environmental leaders, including Zurijanne Carter (deputy chief natural resources officer for Metroparks Toledo), Jonathan Bossenbroek (department chair of the Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Toledo) and Fred Yoder (farmer in Madison County, Ohio) will participate in a panel about how we communicate climate change issues. Finally, guests can also explore exhibits from local organizations including Black Swamp Conservancy, Keep Toledo-Lucas County Beautiful, National Museum of the Great Lakes, Wood County Parks, the departments of geography and environmental sciences from the University of Toledo, Outdoors Sylvania Community Parks, Metroparks Toledo and the Center for Great Lakes and Watershed Studies at BGSU. Light refreshments will be provided, and parking is free in the Library’s parking garage off of Adams St. The event is free and open to the public, but guests are asked to RSVP using this link.

This work was supported in part by the Midwest Big Data Innovation Hub's Community Development and Engagement program via NSF award # 1916613. Anyopinions, findings, conclusions,or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the viewsof the National Science Foundation. Additional support was provided by a grant from the First Solar Community Giving Fund of the Greater Toledo Community Foundation.

About Midstory: Midstory is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to progressing the Midwest narrative through multimedia storytelling, solutions-oriented research and community programming. You can learn more at www.midstory.org.

About Midwest Big Data Hub: Midwest Big Data Hub is a network of people from academia, industry, government, and nonprofits who are passionate about using data-driven approaches to address grand challenges facing science and society.

About First Solar: First Solar is a leading American solar technology company and global provider of responsibly produced, eco-efficient solar modules advancing the fight against climate change.

About Toledo Lucas County Public Library: Toledo Lucas County Public Library is a winner of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. This is the highest honor that can be awarded to a library system or museum in the United States. The award recognizes TLCPL’s exceptional commitment to serving as the go-to community connector for the makers, doers, and dreamers who are committed to the region’s success.