The most powerful way that we can communicate important trends in future evolution, like climate change, is experientially and one of the most powerful senses is the sense of smell.

That is why we were fascinated to learn of a project called T.E.M.P.S. (The Ephemeral Marvels Perfume Store). Ironically, the words "temps" means "time" in France.  T.E.M.P.S. is a perfume line from the future when climate change will have eliminated many things in nature. This perfume line is similar to the feature in "Wired" Magazine that shows artifacts from the future.
 
The result of collaboration between The Apocalypse Project and the perfumer Givaudan, this first collection contains eight scents. Each of the scents represents a scent that will vanish, as the climate of the earth changes.

Each of the sculptured bottles has a special, beautifully designed label. "Coasts" represents the world's coastlines that will disappear with rising seas.  The second scent is "Coffee". The production of coffee beans is dependent on cool mountainsides that are decreasing with rising temperatures.

Climate change man cause "Flowers" to open too early, before the bees emerge from hibernation, causing the numbers of flowers to decline. The scent "Wine" represents the moving growth conditions for grapes, leading to shifts in quality and quantity of production. 

As the climate changes, "Eucalyptus" species are progressively being affected by drought and flash floods. With long regeneration times and short times for seed dispersal, the species may not be able to keep up with the pace of climate change.
 
"Peanuts" will be dramatically affected. Sweltering heat drastically reduces the quality of peanut production. The result will be that more peanuts will be processed into oil, rather than eaten as raw or roasted nuts.

"Ice" represents how the higher temperatures will cause the earth's glaciers and permafrost to melt. Certain species of "Trees", notably cedar, pine, and fir are being decimated, as climate change increases the risk of forest fires.

This experiential demonstration of the climate change to come will be effective in helping people to embrace the seriousness of this critical situation. Our forecast is that this will be the first of many experiential programs to engage the population to take action about climate change. Tapping into the senses to make a point often works.

© Copyright 1998-2014 by The Herman Group of Companies, Inc., all rights reserved. From 'The Herman Trend Alert,' by Joyce Gioia, Strategic Business Futurist. (800) 227-3566 or www.hermangroup.com

The Herman Trend Alert is a trademark of The Herman Group of Companies, Inc. Reprinted with permission.