In New York City, the Climate Clock stands as a powerful reminder of the urgency of climate change. Installed above Union Square, the large digital display counts down the time left to limit global warming to 1.5°C—the threshold scientists say is critical to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.

The clock is based on data from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which estimates how much longer the world can emit greenhouse gases before crossing dangerous limits. Alongside the countdown, the clock also shows “renewable energy percentage,” tracking how much of the world’s energy comes from sustainable sources.

Created by artists Gan Golan and Andrew Boyd, the project combines art, science, and activism. Since its debut in 2020, it has become a symbol of climate awareness, reminding millions of people passing through the city that time is running out—but action can still make a difference.

For students and visitors alike, the Climate Clock isn’t just something to look at—it’s something to think about. It asks a simple but urgent question: what can we do before time runs out?