Pantone has chosen Classic Blue as the color for the year 2020. This is the blue that can best describe the color of the sky and sea at dusk, when the weather is at its finest. Moments that remind the older generation of times when life was simple and more calm than it is today. It represents the kind of climate condition that the present generation of environmental activists are fighting for; by pushing for reforms that will address climate change.
Perhaps, the Pantone people had those in mind when they chose Classic Blue as this year’s color; knowing that colors can be powerful tools. Fashion and brand designers, as well as event organizers are into choosing a color motif that aims to elicit a kind of emotion and behavior from their target audience.
Known Psychological Effects of Blue and Its Variations
Numerous psychological studies have revealed that some colors can be deeply rooted in our brain when associations are made with our biological surroundings and our cultural development.
The variations of the blue hue are often associated with the color of the sky, which at the same time is reflected by bodies of water. The classic daytime blue is the most assuring hue because based on experiences, the weather will be calm and peaceful. As opposed to dark indigo blue skies that usually serve as warning of heavy rains and related disconcerting occurrences that make us anxious and unsettled.
Yet blue in a lighter shade than the conventional blue of fair weather skies, can have a different symbolism. It is the kind of blue we associate with cold, icy waters of the arctic, which could trigger feelings of anxiety when we are reminded of how global warming is causing the rapid melting of glaciers and icebergs. The melting process as scientists have pointed out results to rise of seawater levels, which in turn lead to stronger typhoons and hurricanes as well as flooding. .
As we see it, Pantone’s choice of the Classic Blue color is a way of underpinning support for the global movements that aim to arrest as soon as possible, the unpleasant effects of climate change. At the same time, reminding us to maintain simple lifestyles that reduce energy use and CO2 emissions.