Kolkata Science City Climate Change: Kolkata’s iconic Science City has long been celebrated for merging education with interactive experiences, drawing millions of visitors each year. In 2025, its latest state-of-the-art addition—the Climate Change Gallery titled ‘On the Edge?’—has placed it in the global spotlight. Recently nominated for the prestigious CIMUSET Award 2025, the gallery is now being recognized internationally for its role in raising awareness about one of the most pressing challenges of our time: climate change.
The nomination is not just a feather in the cap for Science City, but also a matter of pride for India, which has been striving to blend science communication with environmental education.
Kolkata Science City Climate Change: About the CIMUSET Award
The CIMUSET Award is presented by the ICOM International Committee for Museums and Collections of Science and Technology (CIMUSET). It recognizes outstanding museum projects that excel in communicating science and technology to the public. Being shortlisted for this award places the Climate Change Gallery in an elite global league.
According to ICOM’s official page, the award particularly highlights projects that creatively use interactive tools, digital technologies, and experiential learning to enhance public understanding of complex issues.
The Climate Change Gallery: “On the Edge?”
Inaugurated on January 11, 2025, by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, the gallery is India’s first fully immersive exhibition on climate change.
The name—“On the Edge?”—symbolizes humanity’s precarious position as climate change intensifies, threatening ecosystems, biodiversity, and human livelihoods.
The gallery blends cutting-edge technology, interactive installations, simulations, and storytelling to provide visitors with an engaging understanding of:
- The science behind global warming.
- Human activities driving climate change.
- The social, economic, and ecological consequences of rising temperatures.
- Possible adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Key Features of the Gallery
- Immersive Theatre Experiences
- Visitors are taken through 360-degree visual projections simulating melting glaciers, cyclones, and sea-level rise.
- Sound effects replicate natural disasters, creating an emotional connection to the issue.
- Interactive Models and Displays
- Hands-on exhibits show how greenhouse gases trap heat, how renewable energy functions, and the impact of deforestation.
- Visitors can engage in simulations that allow them to “design” a sustainable city and see real-time impacts.
- Data-Driven Exhibits
- Live updates on carbon emissions, global temperature rise, and extreme weather patterns are presented.
- AI-driven models demonstrate projections for the next 50–100 years.
- Children’s Learning Zones
- Special activity corners for school groups introduce climate concepts through play, storytelling, and gamification.
- Sustainability Showcase
- Renewable energy prototypes, water conservation systems, and waste-to-resource exhibits are highlighted.
Why the Nomination Matters
- Global Recognition of Indian Science Communication
This nomination puts India on the global map in science education, highlighting Kolkata as a leader in innovative museum practices. - Boost to Environmental Awareness
With climate change affecting everything from agriculture to urban living, the gallery serves as a public awareness hub for communities, especially school students. - Tourism & Cultural Impact
Science City has always been a key tourist destination in Kolkata. The international attention from the nomination could further boost cultural tourism and educational visits. - Policy and Advocacy
Museums like Science City often serve as informal spaces for policy dialogues. Recognition at the global stage reinforces the need for India’s government and civil society to continue prioritizing climate action.
Kolkata as a Climate-Conscious City
Kolkata is uniquely vulnerable to climate change, with threats like rising sea levels, increased cyclonic activity in the Bay of Bengal, and worsening air pollution. Establishing such a gallery within the city sends a powerful message that climate literacy is crucial for urban resilience.
According to NASA’s climate reports, global sea levels are projected to rise significantly by the end of this century. For low-lying regions like Bengal, this spells urgent risk. The gallery’s nomination therefore resonates deeply with local realities.
Visitor Reactions
Since its opening, the gallery has drawn students, researchers, tourists, and citizens. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive:
- School teachers say it complements classroom lessons on environment.
- Students describe it as “eye-opening” and “like stepping into the future.”
- Tourists find it unique compared to other science museums worldwide.
Local NGOs working on climate issues have also partnered with Science City to host awareness workshops, panel discussions, and campaigns inside the gallery.
Expert Opinions
Environmental scientists and educationists have praised the gallery’s approach.
- Dr. Sunita Narain (Centre for Science and Environment) said projects like these bridge the gap between scientific research and public understanding.
- Climate communication experts argue that such interactive models are far more effective in driving home urgency than conventional lectures.
The Road Ahead
While the CIMUSET nomination is already a milestone, Science City aims to expand further:
- Virtual Access: Plans are underway to create VR-enabled online tours of the gallery so that students from across India can experience it remotely.
- Collaborations: Partnerships with global climate museums and research organizations are expected, ensuring exchange of ideas and innovations.
- Upgraded Content: Regularly updated datasets, interactive AI-driven exhibits, and new installations will keep the gallery relevant.
Conclusion
The nomination of Science City’s “On the Edge?” Climate Change Gallery for the CIMUSET Award 2025 is more than a recognition of architectural or technological achievement—it is a testament to India’s growing role in climate education, cultural innovation, and science communication.
In a world grappling with the climate crisis, the gallery does not merely inform—it inspires action. For Kolkata, it is a moment of immense pride. For India, it is a reminder that knowledge, when made interactive and accessible, can be one of the most powerful tools for change.
🔗 Useful External References:
- NCSM: Inauguration of Climate Change Gallery
- ICOM CIMUSET Award Nomination 2025
- NASA Climate Change: Vital Signs of the Planet
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