UN chooses NFT marketplace host in efforts to fight climate change

The United Nations has selected blockchain platform Unique Network to run a nonfungible token (NFT) initiative in the effort to inspire others to take action against climate change.

According to a Tuesday announcement, Unique will be the lead technology partner for a program from the UN’s Human Settlement Programme and International Association for the Advancement of Innovative Approaches to Global Challenges, which will mint young artists’ work as NFTs. The program, called Digital Art for Climate Action Empowerment, or DigitalArt4Climate, encourages creators to showcase artwork inspiring people to work toward finding better solutions for the environment.

“The United Nations has recognized NFT technology as a unique new medium for creative expression that can help amplify messages about climate action,” said the group. “The U.N. wants to bring this innovative art form to the next generation of creators who stand to benefit from a technology that can help them amplify and monetize their work.”

A parachain project in the Kusama and Polkadot ecosystem, Unique will create and host an NFT marketplace for the initiative. According to the UN programs, developers competed in a virtual hackathon last month to create the digital art gallery and marketplace showcasing the DigitalArt4Climate artwork. The project will open for contributions starting on Aug. 12.

Related: UN sees blockchain technology as tool to fight climate crisis

The United Nations has previously said it was exploring the uses of blockchain technology in the fight against climate change and to help reach a more sustainable global economy. Though the group has seemingly never been directly involved in encouraging the development of NFTs, at least one member of the UN Global Compact has. Earlier this month, NFT and blockchain gaming platform Enjin said it would be exploring ways to use NFTs to promote sustainability and equality.

Companies’ positions on the environment are seemingly becoming more of a concern for investors and users as the effects of climate change seem to be escalating. The UN listed 17 goals on sustainable development it hopes to have achieved by 2030, including reducing inequality, providing quality education, and encouraging responsible consumption and production.