A man stands on a ladder hammering boards into place on a large wooden vessel supported by beams in an open field. Two women converse in front of a small house with a red roof while a small dog stands nearby. One woman gestures as she relays a statement about the futility of stopping temperature increases and ocean expansion.

The 2015 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change gathering in Paris drew leaders to negotiate emission cuts. Delegates aimed to cap global temperature rise at 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels. Coastal nations expressed particular concern over projected ocean expansion that could displace communities.

The visual ties the biblical vessel reference to current discussions on whether emission reductions can still prevent significant ocean level changes. Conference outcomes included pledges from major economies to reduce carbon output over coming decades. Observers noted that some participants viewed the commitments as insufficient to fully address long term flooding threats to low lying areas.