Ahead of the Conference of Parties (COP21) taking place on December 7 – 8 in Paris, street artist Shepard Fairey revealed his contribution to the climate and sustainability debate in the city: A mega sphere which dangles between the first and second floors of the Eiffel Tower.

The artwork titled Earth Crisis represents our planet’s precarious position which is being addressed by the international delegates at the conference.

Suspended by cables, the massive two-ton globe is eight meters in diameter and is covered in geometric floral patterns incorporating depictions of threats to the ecology.

The artist posing in front of his latest installation on the Eiffel Tower, Paris.
Photo: Wallpaper

“My political stance on protecting the planet is driven by my concern for the quality of life for future generations,” Fairey told Hypebeast at the unveiling.

“I’m not an alarmist, but I do think people need to understand that we are facing an earth crisis. I think it is exciting that the globe provides different experiences for the viewer from a distance and up close while living in the heart of the Eiffel Tower,” he explained.

Fairey added, “I hope the Earth Crisis globe appeals visually but also generates a needed conversation about the fate of our planet.”

Each section of the sphere depicts a threat to the Earth.
Photo: Wallpaper

According to Wallpaper the artist has been active as an environmental campaigner since the 1990s and has designed campaign material for various environmental groups. “Essentially I’m trying to fight apathy,” he says.

In light of the recent terror attacks on the French capital that claimed 130 lives, Fairey was acutely aware of the added significance of his artwork. “The project has a greater degree of weight and I don’t know if I’m worthy,” he conceded.

The street artist designed a special poster in light of the recent terror attacks targeting Paris.
Photo: Wallpaper

“I hope that looking at how interconnected things are, which is part of the aim of the piece, will encourage unity rather than fear and division,” he said.

Commissioned by the Parisian Galerie Itinerrance, Fairey’s installation is the first ever piece of street art to be mounted on the French landmark.

“Earth Crisis” is on view until November 26, 2015 at the Eiffel Tower, Paris.