
Seasonal Carbon Cycle, Barrett Bellamy Climate
Carbon dioxide levels fluctuate during the year as the Sun changes its path, influencing photosynthesis. It is at its highest point in May, and its lowest in September.
This is partly due to the Sun’s impact on photosynthesis, the organic absorption of carbon dioxide in plant matters. Seasons bring different temperatures and amounts of daylight as the Sun changes its axis, leading to different levels of carbon dioxide.

Analemma, the annual path of the Sun seen from Earth, with the carbon levels according to the months
This project looks at the sun movements to propose new relationships with carbon emissions based on the seasons.
1. Autumn


Made of London Plane wood found at White City
September marks the lowest point of carbon levels in the year. The summer ends with the peak of carbon absorption by photosynthesis. Living with CO2 proposes a tool to calculate the carbon dioxide absorption in green wood to give value to the unseen.
If you know how much carbon value is within the wood, how would you treat it?
Caring for wood, i.e: in oiling it for it to last longer, helps slow the decaying process and captures carbon for a longer timeframe.

2. Winter

Wood Wishes
Twigs found at Stave Hill Ecological Park, oak from Herdfordshire
As winter settles in, biomass reduces its volume. Trees loose their leaves so as to rest and restore for a new cycle. It is a slower and introspective time of year. Often a time of gatherings with friends and family on religious calendars, Living with CO2 proposes a new ritual at Stave Hill Ecological Park, one where you can make a ‘Wood Wish’.
1. Pick up twigs at Stave Hill Park found on paths (don’t go disturbe natural habitats)
2. Cut them to identical size
3. Paint half in the colour you would want
4. Tie them together
5. Hang them at the Treasure Map spot on the top of the hill
Through the making of a ‘Wood Wish’, one can formulate new routes for the new cycle. Time to reflect for a new year and to plan actions for spring.


3. Spring

Silvered Charcoal
Made from Binchotan Charcoal and silver plated; stand made out of Oak and London Plane
Spring starts and the sun stays out longer. Its warmth is felt. Carbon dioxide levels have been rising still the previous Autumn, and it is only in May in which the levels will reduce due to photosynthesis byproducts.
For this new growth, Living with CO2 proposes an amulet to carry: a piece of charcoal silver plated.
Charcoal is another state of trees. It is traditionally used to heat homes or draw. As charcoal is mostly pure carbon, it is an easy way to relate to the element and to silver plate is to do ‘carbon capture’ in a symbolic way. It is also a cheaper option than diamonds, another jewelery composed mostly of pure carbon.



4. Summer


Sun Logs
Made from London Plane wood from White City, London
Summer brings long sunny days and low carbon dioxide levels. Carbon dioxide is a key ingredient for organic growth through photosynthesis, bringing fruits, flowers, and else throughout the season while reducing carbon emissions. If there is a time to collectively celebrate the benefits of the sun, Living with CO2 believes it is then.
To honour the sun, a sundial and stamp of the analemma are made as celebratory tools for the summer solstice celebration, and to take in the longest day of the year.
