Internet Culture

Absent political leaders replaced with ice sculptures at climate debate

They meeeelted.

Photo of Siobhan Ball

Siobhan Ball

channel 4 ice sculpture climate debate

After two political leaders refused to attend a climate debate hosted by U.K.’s Channel 4 on Thursday, the TV network decided on a very special replacement for them.

Featured Video

Instead of empty chairs, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Brexit Party Leader Nigel Farage were represented by ice sculptures. As the debate went on, the sculptures melted under the studio lights—and brought to mind the state of the planet.

Advertisement

Amid the televised debate, arguments sparked on Twitter about climate change and Channel 4’s response to Johnson and Farage’s absences.

https://twitter.com/CorsairHermes/status/1200115702822318080

Advertisement

Advertisement

Some said it was an appropriate and clever way to get the point across.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Others saw it as disrespectful and a sign of Channel 4’s lack of neutrality. One Twitter user said the network is “politicized and fixated on issues.”

Advertisement

https://twitter.com/AnthonyJohnG/status/1200114136459468801

But many applauded the stunt.

Advertisement

https://twitter.com/MrDucci/status/1200129250768117761

Advertisement

If only the ice sculptures were portraits of Boris and Farage themselves, some said.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Before the debate even aired, Johnson threatened to “reassess” Channel 4’s broadcasting license, sparking more outrage online.

Advertisement

READ MORE:

Advertisement

Update Nov. 29, 9:50am CT: This post was corrected to state that Boris Johnson’s Channel 4 threat occurred before the debate aired.

 
The Daily Dot