The Loss of Sky-Blue: Changes in the Sky-Environment

Abstract

The main thesis to be explored is the undiscussed change in the sky-environment and the loss of sky-blue from our aesthetic reach. The concept of ‘living blue-beauty’ allows to introduce the dynamic sky-environment as a scientific subject and to use the findings to open an inter- and transdisciplinary dialogue on anthropogenic sensory pollution. The observation of increasing changes up to the possible absence of this beauty also enables to address aesthetic and atmospheric (in-)sensibility and (co-)affection for fundamental environmental changes. In the context of an unprecedented epoch of the Anthropocene, concepts such as ‘everyday’ and ‘familiarity’ are being challenged. Furthermore, the sky-environment becomes revealed as vulnerable in its natural variability. On top of that, its threatened beauty justifies the pursuit of preventing its loss for the future.

Keywords

• aesthetics
• philosophy of the body
• phenomenology
• sensory pollution, beauty