A British sculptor brings a 10-tonne block of ice and carves it to the shape of a polar bear inside Sydney Circular Quay that will show people how quickly it can melt. This is Mark Coreth's effort to raise public awareness on the rapid effects of climate change, and the reality couldn't be more chilling.

Measured at 2 metres high, the Ice Bear is located in front of the Customs House Square and will be on display until next Friday. Coreth encourages people to approach and touch the bear and feel how it melts, serving as a perfect symbolism on the way humans impact climate change. Called the Ice Bear Project, the sculpture was inspired after a trip to the Arctic. Since then, he has presented the Ice Bear Project in five major cities worldwide - London, Montreal, Manchester, Toronto, and Copenhagen where he first showed in 2009.

Coreth's Ice Bear Project is Sydney's special awareness program for Sunday's World Environment Day. Once the bear has completely melted, it will reveal a bronze skeleton that will transcend the current environmental crisis in the Arctic. The Sydney Ice Bear has more than the purpose of public awareness; it will also raise money for various organizations such as WWF Australia, and the Australian Climate Coalition.

Other World Environment Day activities include the Sydney Enviroment Bash at Tote in Zetland where people can enjoy plant giveaways and barbequed treats. The Environment Bash will also have the Aussie Swap, where attendees can trade items to reduce trash and promote recycling. A bus tour and bushwalk led by The Hills Shire is set to kick off at 9 a.m. on Saturday, with the Music for Trees festival happening the next day at 4 p.m in Red Rattler Theatre, Marrickville.

For more information about Sydney World Environment day activities on June 4 and 5, visit http://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/.