UN leaders, environmental activists and media from around the world gathered at the 17th Conference of the Parties of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP17), which took place from the 28th of November to the 9th of December in Durban, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa. The heavy rains and strong winds during that period emphasized the challenges presented by climate change and the vital issues at stake that were discussed at COP17. Despite the peculiar weather, the Siemens Baobab tree at the Amphitheatre on North beach promenade shone brightly in the night sky sending a powerful message of hope and sustainability.
Siemens commissioned renowned South African artist, Daniel Popper to design and build the massive sculpture that was inspired by the African Baobab tree. The tree stood at almost 15 meters high and was made from reclaimed wood. OSRAM was proud to light up the tree with 3,000 high-efficiency Osram LED lights that were powered by solar panels. Some of the lights could even be powered by the bicycles positioned around the tree. By sitting on one of the 17 stationary bicycles, people could help provide the energy to power the tree and the faster one pedaled, the brighter the Siemens Baobab tree shone.
The Baobab tree is an appropriate part of the official logo of the COP17 United Nations Climate Change Conference, as over the centuries its age and majestic size has made it a traditional gathering place – a place where people come together to meet and solve problems.
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