The “Climate Line” project, developed by CESAM and the Department of Environment and Planning (DAO), in collaboration with the Library, Documentary Information and Museology Services (SBIDM) and with the support of the University of Aveiro’s American Corner, was distinguished with the IFLA Green Library Award 2026 – De Gruyter Special Recognition. The recognition was announced on 12 August during the IFLA World Library and Information Congress in Busan, South Korea.
The project “A Linha do Clima (The Climate Line): Where Art and Science Inspire Climate Engagement” received the De Gruyter Special Recognition, an award granted by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) to initiatives that, despite operating with limited resources, demonstrate a significant impact in promoting sustainability and environmental literacy. The recognition includes a monetary prize of €500, sponsored by the academic publisher De Gruyter.
The “Climate Line” project was initially selected for the longlist of the 11th IFLA Green Library Award 2026, joining a group of 26 projects selected from 62 applications submitted by 27 countries.
In its justification for the award, IFLA highlights “The Climate Line” as an innovative example of promoting climate literacy by combining art, environmental education and community engagement. According to the jury, the project brings together environmentally responsible design and a strong participatory component, helping to make climate change more visible, understandable and relatable to citizens.
Developed by researchers Myriam Lopes, Carla Gama and Ana Ascenso, from CESAM/DAO, and by Sandra Oliveira, from the Library, Documentary Information and Museology Services (SBIDM), with the support of the University of Aveiro’s American Corner, the project transforms 30 years of climate data from Aveiro (1994–2023) into 30 crocheted scarves, making temperature changes over the past decades tangible. Each piece represents one year, and each row of crochet corresponds to the average daily temperature recorded during that period.
Combining science, textile art and community participation, the initiative involved members of the academic community and citizens in the collective creation of the climate scarves. The working sessions took place in the American Corner Room at the University of Aveiro, which supported the initiative by providing a space for meeting, sharing and community participation. The project culminated in an exhibition at the University of Aveiro Library and has since continued its journey through different exhibition venues, extending the reach of its message to diverse audiences.