Rising sea levels due to global warming threaten not only to destroy some marine ecosystems but also to endanger coastal populations. It is common knowledge that greenhouse gases are part of the reason that our climate is changing, but many do not realise that in the UK, road traffic is the largest contributing factor. With Euston Road being one of the busiest roads in the country, it seemed the perfect place to bring Bill Fontana’s sounds of the sea and to ask people to question their environment.

As part of the Green Camden Campaign, Camden Council wants to raise awareness of traffic’s impact on the public’s health and the wider environment. Working with the Socially Responsive Design Hub, Camden Council contacted the artist Bill Fontana and the Wellcome Trust to invite them to play their part through the innovative use of art in the public realm. Bill Fontana’s ‘White Sound’ gives us a rare moment on Euston Road when the traffic noises are masked by the sounds of nature at its most powerful.

This project was launched on 22 September 2011 – World Carfree Day – and will run until Sunday 16 October 2011. During this time, Camden Council is asking residents and visitors alike to think about greener ways to travel.

Visit Camden Council’s website for ideas and tips for greener travel.

Find out more about socially responsive design.