Climate change is often discussed through charts, projections, and abstract statistics that can feel distant from everyday life. Denmark is taking a different approach—one that transforms climate science into something people can physically see and experience.

In Copenhagen, a series of unusually tall public benches has been installed across the city to visually represent how high sea levels are projected to rise by the year 2100 if global warming continues on its current trajectory. These benches are elevated to approximately the same height scientists estimate future ocean levels could reach, effectively bringing long-term climate projections into the present.

From Abstract Numbers to Physical Reality

For many people, projections such as “one meter of sea-level rise” can be difficult to fully grasp. By raising benches to match these estimates, Denmark turns an abstract scientific figure into a tangible experience. Sitting on or standing next to these benches allows residents and visitors to imagine what today’s streets, parks, and buildings could look like in a future shaped by unchecked climate change.

The concept is intentionally simple, yet highly impactful. When people can physically relate to future sea levels, the climate crisis becomes harder to dismiss as a distant or hypothetical problem.

Why Denmark Is Taking This Seriously

Denmark is among the European countries most vulnerable to rising sea levels. With its long coastline, low-lying terrain, and densely populated coastal cities, even moderate increases in ocean levels pose significant risks. Flooding, storm surges, and coastal erosion threaten homes, transportation networks, and critical infrastructure.

According to climate scientists, global sea levels could rise between 0.5 and 1 meter by 2100, depending on future greenhouse gas emissions. For Denmark, these projections are not merely theoretical—they represent real challenges that could reshape entire communities if no decisive action is taken.

Public Awareness as Climate Action

These elevated benches serve as more than urban design elements. They function as public warnings and conversation starters, encouraging citizens to reflect on the long-term consequences of climate inaction. By embedding climate communication directly into public space, Denmark reinforces the idea that climate change affects everyone—not just scientists or policymakers.

This approach aligns with Denmark’s broader commitment to climate leadership, including ambitious targets to reduce carbon emissions and invest in climate adaptation strategies.

A Model for Climate Communication

Denmark’s initiative demonstrates how cities can use creative, accessible methods to communicate complex scientific issues. Instead of relying solely on reports and data, physical installations like these benches help bridge the gap between knowledge and emotional understanding.

Ultimately, the message is clear: the future is not as distant as it seems. These benches stand as a reminder—and a call to act—before projections of rising seas become lived reality.