At COP29 in Baku, Danish artist Jens Galschiøt has presented his iconic sculpture "Double Standard", which highlights the enormous inequality in the global fight against climate change. The sculpture, depicting a large, self-righteous Justitia, the Western goddess of justice, sitting on the back of a starving, exhausted man, serves as a sharp symbol of how wealthy nations refuse to take responsibility for the climate changes they have helped create.

The sculpture was unveiled during COP29, a summit marked by disappointment and frustration. It was decided at the conference that wealthy nations would triple their climate finance to poor countries—reaching $300 billion annually by 2035. However, this is far from enough, say poorer nations, which are calling for a target of at least $1.3 trillion annually. "It's a joke," was the criticism from countries like Nigeria and India.

 

"Double Standard" symbolizes the unjust distribution of resources, where rich nations thrive at the expense of the poor, while failing to sufficiently help with climate change adaptation. The sculpture illustrates how wealthy countries claim they want to help, but only when it is convenient for them—just like the large goddess who refuses to step down from the exhausted man.

 

Galschiøt has presented his sculpture in collaboration with CARE Denmark, which works to ensure climate justice and adaptation for the most vulnerable countries. The project has received support from Danish climate ministers Dan Jørgensen and Lars Aagaard, both of whom have emphasized the need for wealthy nations to take responsibility.

Despite the increase in climate finance, poorer nations are still dissatisfied. Many feel that rich countries are only willing to pay when it costs them nothing, and that real changes are still lacking. Galschiøt's Double Standard is a visual call to action, urging us to step down from our position of power and take responsibility for the world's most vulnerable—and for the climate that is on the brink of collapse.

The inscription on the sculpture's pedestal now feels almost prophetic:
"With closed eyes and scales in hand, the Western goddess of justice, Justitia, proclaims:
I am sitting on the back of a man. He is sinking under my burden.
I will do anything to help him. Except stepping down from his back.."

 

Free to Use Images of the Sculpture
Jens Galschiøt has released the copyright to images of Double Standard, so anyone can freely use photographs of the artwork at no cost. photos can be downloaded from the artist’s official website www.galschiot.com for both editorial and commercial use. We can send high-resolution photos to you, contact jens@Galschiot.com or wahtsApp +45 40447058

 

Jens Galschiøt and John Norby from Care is still in Baku and available for contact:
Jens Galschiøt  and John Nordny is currently in Baku during COP29 and can be contacted via email, WhatsApp, or phone for interviews and further information: