Art Meets Climate Science: A Striking Illustration from the CHARM-EU Hackathon Highlights the ClimEX-PE Project

A powerful drawing created during last year’s CHARM-EU Hackathon in Barcelona has recently come to light, capturing the essence of the ClimEX-PE project through a vivid visual narrative. The illustration portrays three distinct climate scenarios across the project’s pilot countries—Spain, Hungary, and Ireland—each facing unique environmental challenges.

• Spain is depicted under a scorching sun, with cracked soil and a barren tree symbolizing extreme drought.
• Hungary is depicted in a snowy landscape, complete with a snowman and falling snowflakes, representing the cold winter conditions that are, unfortunately, warming year by year, making them increasingly rare.
• Ireland appears under heavy rainfall, with dark clouds and lush green grass, highlighting persistent wet weather.

The drawing was created by Franck Curk, a researcher at the French National Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE). As an agricultural engineer and plant geneticist, Curk brings a deep understanding of climate-related issues, which is clearly reflected in the emotional and scientific depth of the artwork.

The illustration resonated strongly with the ClimEX-PE team, who praised its ability to communicate complex climate challenges in an accessible and engaging way. The drawing aligns beautifully with the educational mission of the project.

Importantly, the NaBa-MAR (Nature-Based Managed Aquifer Recharge) method, at the heart of the ClimEX-PE project, offers a flexible and sustainable solution across all these climate contexts. Whether addressing drought in arid regions like Spain, managing excess water in wetter climates like Ireland, or adapting to shifting seasonal patterns in Central Europe, NaBa-MAR enhances groundwater resilience by using natural processes to store water. This approach not only supports water security but also contributes to climate adaptation and ecosystem restoration, making it a key tool in tackling the diverse challenges posed by climate change.