Umberto Onza Designs
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Helsingin Sanomat - The Climate Pen

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A pen that can write history – and our future. We are witnessing the hottest era in recorded history. The threat climate change imposes on our planet's life is undeniable. Carbon dioxide, CO2, is considered to be the most significant greenhouse ga

A pen that can write history – and our future.

We are witnessing the hottest era in recorded history. The threat climate change imposes on our planet's life is undeniable.

Carbon dioxide, CO2, is considered to be the most significant greenhouse gas produced by humans. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has concluded it to have accelerated climate change with over a 95 % probability 1. Over the last four decades the carbon dioxide emissions have grown by 90 %. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimates that carbon dioxide alone is responsible for 80 % of global warming.

The pen has always been a vehicle for change. A Finnish newspaper Helsingin Sanomat produced a bespoke pen to encourage climate action among policy on UN Climate Action Summit 2019 in California, United States. The ink of The Climate Pen is s m

The pen has always been a vehicle for change.

A Finnish newspaper Helsingin Sanomat produced a bespoke pen to encourage climate action among policy on UN Climate Action Summit 2019 in California, United States.

The ink of The Climate Pen is s made of carbon dioxide, a key greenhouse gas.

In the fall of 2019 the Finnish members of parliament, Finnish president Sauli Niinistö and the G20 world leaders all received a Climate Pen from Helsingin Sanomat. With ink made out of carbon dioxide, the greenhouse gas most responsible for man-ma

In the fall of 2019 the Finnish members of parliament, Finnish president Sauli Niinistö and the G20 world leaders all received a Climate Pen from Helsingin Sanomat.

With ink made out of carbon dioxide, the greenhouse gas most responsible for man-made global warming, it reminds the decision makers of the climate promises made and encourages them to sign policies fighting climate change.

In addition to it’s unusual ink, the name ‘Climate Pen’ aims to remind of carbon emissions by its appearance and usability. The black, angular metal body draws its inspiration from a sharp piece os coal.

In addition to it’s unusual ink, the name ‘Climate Pen’ aims to remind of carbon emissions by its appearance and usability. The black, angular metal body draws its inspiration from a sharp piece os coal.

’’We wanted to create a pen that would have a wholesome effect on its recipient. A peculiar design that draws attention with a story to match. Hopefully, it will inspire our leaders to wise decisions,” says Umberto Onza, the pen’s lead designer’’

’’We wanted to create a pen that would have a wholesome effect on its recipient. A peculiar design that draws attention with a story to match.

Hopefully, it will inspire our leaders to wise decisions,” says Umberto Onza, the pen’s lead designer’’

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The unconventional design has been achieved by 3D printing the pen from recycled aluminum and finishing them manually. A total of 250 pens was produced altogether. All Parts of the pen are custom designed.

The unconventional design has been achieved by 3D printing the pen from recycled aluminum and finishing them manually.
A total of 250 pens was produced altogether. All Parts of the pen are custom designed.

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The entire production and design process has taken place in Finland and the carbon emissions related to the manufacturing of the pen have been compensated through Nordic Offset.

The entire production and design process has taken place in Finland and the carbon emissions related to the manufacturing of the pen have been compensated through Nordic Offset.

The carbon dioxide ink was produced in collaboration with VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd – a research, development, and innovation company operating under the mandate of Finland’s Ministry of Employment and the Economy. The company was

The carbon dioxide ink was produced in collaboration with VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd – a research, development, and innovation company operating under the mandate of Finland’s Ministry of Employment and the Economy. The company was responsible for transforming carbon dioxide into carbon black, the ink’s key ingredient.

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The Climate Pen displayed at Time Square reminding the decision makers and leaders in G20 Summit about Climate Change.

The Climate Pen displayed at Time Square reminding the decision makers and leaders in G20 Summit about Climate Change.

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