Sometimes art, humor, and critique can help us see ourselves and our world with new perspective. Here are four cartoons I created a few years ago about the climate crisis that I hope can help us all (me included!) have new perspective.
Why Do You Keep Buying It?
This cartoon shows how we as consumers often criticize corporations for hurting the environment in their production process, or with the waste they cause in end. But at the same time, we as consumers are the main reason they are able to fund the exploitation of the environment and cause so much waste. If we don’t buy, they won’t produce.
At the same time, we are in a tricky position as consumers! We need to consume various products in order to survive. We have to live our lives, use resources, and think about how to manage our money and find a fair price.
One thing I like about this cartoon is that the consumer's question is answered with another question. Asking questions is fundamental for critical/creative thinking.
Questions: What products do you buy that are worst for the environment? What alternative products could you buy? What if you just consumed less? What products could you spend more money on if they are made in more eco-friendly ways? Is the person making your product being paid enough?
CO2 Addiction
We often focus on addiction related to food, alcohol, smoking, or drugs.
But what about our addiction to convenience, comfort, choice, and power? These addictions cause so much waste and impact climate change.
Questions: How can we enjoy our one life in a way that shows responsibility toward the environment and the next generations? What is one specific action regarding one specific addition you can take to help reduce the rate of climate change?
Climate Leadership Meeting
It’s ironic how global NGO meetings, COP29, or other organizations strategize to cut carbon emissions but, at the same time, produce an enormous carbon footprint (hurt the environment) at the same time – even without realizing it.
I’m not saying flying is evil. And I’m not saying people shouldn’t consume fossil fuels sometimes in order to decrease fossil fuel consumption in the future. I’m just highlighting that we should be aware of the irony and be careful to have balance and see the big picture.
Question: What is one ironic action or habit in your life that contributes to the climate crisis?
Overwhelmed by the Climate Crisis
Many of us feel that everything we do contributes to the climate crisis. It can be depressing and overwhelming? After all, what difference does my small action make on the whole world? Sometimes we just want to give up.
It’s ok to not have all the answers. Maybe you need to just take a nap and relax!
If climate action overwhelms you to the point of giving up or never enjoying life, maybe you should calm down and change your approach. Just take small steps to live a life that is gentler on the environment. We have to enjoy our life even as we think of practical, life-giving actions that help our planet.
Questions: Are you so serious about being eco-friendly that you feel depressed or feel like giving up? What is a small, life-giving way you can help the planet in your daily life?
I hope you enjoyed my cartoons, reflections, and questions! Let's keep reflecting, asking questions, and taking creative steps to be good global citizens and protect our planet!
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