Mary-Lou Mauricio, a photographer who thinks outside the box
This month, meet Mary-Lou Mauricio, who launched the ‘Born in... PPM’ project as a way to raise awareness of climate issues.
First of all, who are you?
I am Mary-Lou Maricio, photographer and Climate Fresk facilitator and trainer! I started a portrait series called ‘Born in… PPM’ in November 2022 to raise awareness of climate change!
When and how did you join Climate Fresk?
I joined Climate Fresk in September 2020, after a member of my food cooperative gave me a copy of the game! When I took part in my first Fresk, I felt very angry but I knew straight away that I wanted to train as a facilitator. Very quickly, I had the chance to run the Fresk in companies and, since then, it’s become a real passion!
Why do you fresk?
To explain, explain, and then explain some more!
What has been your fresking highlight?
Oh, there are so many! My greatest gift is that I’ve met some wonderful people in this community that I love.
What has Climate Fresk changed in your life?
The Fresk has changed my personal life and my professional life. For example, I don’t want to fly any more, though I used to be a big fan of travelling – I even did a round-the-world tour! Thanks to Climate Fresk, my work is now focused on fighting climate change, and I’m very happy about that.
What is the ‘Born in PPM’ project about?
The aim of the ‘Born in PPM’ photography project is to show the rise in CO2 concentration in the Earth’s atmosphere since the industrial revolution. Participants pose with the CO2 parts per million (PPM) level at their year of birth. This measurement is a tangible marker of our relationship with climate change. Before the photoshoot, I ask participants how they feel about climate change, in order for them to decide where to write the PPM level at their year of birth on their body so that it resonates with how they feel. You can have a look at the series of portraits on borninppm.com.
Any last words to add?
Cheers to Climate Fresk, born in 409 PPM!