Projecting Change: Spectacular Sights, Sobering News

Earlier this month, Manhattan was treated to a truly magical night, as the Empire State Building was illuminated with striking, close-up images of snow leopards, golden lion tamarins and manta rays, among many other animals. The digital projection, the brainchild of world renowned visual artist Travis Threlkel and filmmaker/photographer Louie Psihoyos, presented a virtual “Noah’s Ark” wildlife, covering 33 floors of the iconic NYC building.

It was spectacular – and sobering. Every one of the gorgeous animals shown on the Empire State Building is an unlucky member of the endangered species list. Threlkel told the New York Times that he sees the project as “a weapon of mass instruction,” and hopefully a tipping point in how we treat the wild kingdom. It seems like we could all use a lesson: a recent study released by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) reported that “the number of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish across the globe is, on average, about half the size it was 40 years ago.” We are at risk of losing 30% - 50% of all species by 2050. This WWF infographic brings the point home:  

Turner, we’re always on the lookout for clients who have the best interests of the natural world in mind, whether it’s the preservation of the stunning vistas of Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks or Fjallraven’s pioneering work in the traceable down realm. Acting in an eco-friendly fashion can be business friendly. And on a personal level, the Turner team spends a vast majority of our out-of-office time exploring the great outdoors. Of course, there’s always more we can do. The Empire State Building projection is part of a larger initiative and film project called Racing Extinction. Head to the website to pledge your support for national and international efforts to protect endangered species, find ways to volunteer, and to learn much more about how you can help.