A new comics anthology, by ten leading comic artists, five in the Philippines and five in the UK has been launched in response to the climate crisis.
Ten Years to Save the World demonstrates the power of comics to stimulate climate change action. Aimed at 18 to 24 year olds, but with a powerful message for us all, the project is a collaboration between the Lakes International Comic Art Festival, Komiket in the Philippines and climate change communications specialists Creative Concern.
The project is one of the British Council’s Creative Commissions, exploring climate change through art, science and digital technology. The commissions aim to stimulate global conversations about climate change and to inspire transformational change.
It is an incredible showcase for the diversity and power of comics. Crucially, the work has been informed and shaped by young people from both countries, who took part in online discussions to develop the brief for the artists.
The Ten Years to Save the World comics can be read and shared for free online now, at www.10yearstosavetheworld.com
The comics anthology features ten internationally celebrated artists – Manix Abrera, Kajo Baldisimo with Budjette Tan, Sayra Begum, Darren Cullen, Ren Galeno, Emiliana Kampilan, Kevin Eric Raymundo, Zoom Rockman, Jack Teagle and Clarice Tudor.
“The project has an urgent message,” notes Julie Tait, Director, The Lakes International Comic Art Festival. “We have ten years to make the big changes required to save our planet, it’s as simple as that.
“This digital anthology we hope demonstrates the important role art and specifically comic art can play in responding to the climate crisis. The partners in this project believe that comics can change the world and now, more than ever, we need to use their strength as a force for good.”
“The Creative Commissions are an impressive set of bespoke projects addressing climate-related challenges from around the world,” commented Rosanna Lewis, Creative Commissions Lead, British Council. “Through arts, science and digital technology, stories are brought to life and action is being taken by indigenous communities, young people, artists, researchers, and many more.
“10 Years to Save the World is a unique project exploring our relationship to ourselves, to one another, and to our environment. The British Council is honoured to work with such talented, passionate partners to raise awareness of climate change and how culture can help address shared global challenges.”
The climate change comics for 10 Years to Save the World tackle some of the most pressing issues of our time including ocean pollution, deforestation, plastics, green washing, corporate corruption, climate justice and the anxiety caused from living with the realities of climate change. The project is also about encouraging climate action and each comic is presented alongside organisations and campaigns who are providing solutions or ways to create positive change. All the comics are available free online to read and share.
Chris Dessent of climate change communications agency Creative Concern said: “We want people to read and share these comics and the big issues they explore. Our hope is that this will lead to more climate action and more engagement in these issues. Our belief is that knowledge is power and that comics are the ideal art form to help bring the climate crisis to a wider audience.”
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report, published in August 2021, gave a powerful and direct assessment of the reality of climate change. The report states “it is unequivocal that human influence has warmed the atmosphere, oceans and land”. The report was declared a code red for humanity. Echoing the scientists’ findings, UN Secretary General António Guterres said as the report was published: “If we combine forces now, we can avert climate catastrophe. But… there is no time for delay and no room for excuses.
The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and other countries through arts and culture, education and the English language. In 2019 – 2020, they reached over 75 million people directly and 758 million people overall including online, broadcasts and publications. Founded in 1934 they are a UK charity governed by Royal Charter and a UK public body. They receive a 14.5 per cent core funding grant from the UK government. Online at: www.britishcouncil.org
• You can help contribute to 10 Years to Save the World by sharing the comic artwork and stories on your own channels or with your organisation. To view the artwork please go to the website www.10yearstosavetheworld.com
• The Lakes International Comic Art Festival is back this weekend 15th to 17th October 2021 | Festival details online at: www.comicartfestival.com | Lakes International Comic Art Festival Podcast: www.comicartpodcast.uk | Twitter: @comicartfestpod | Facebook: @ComicArtPodcast | Instagram: @ComicArtPodcast
• Check out the Ten Years to Save the World web site here | Connect with the project on Twitter and Instagram #10YearsToSaveTheWorld #TheClimateConnection #COP26 | (COP26 and the British Council are also using the hashtag –#TogetherForOurPlanet)
• Komiket is online at www.komiket.org | Facebook
• Want to receive news about the Lakes International Comic Art Festival? Then sign up for their newsletter now
• Check out the LITTLE LICAF Facebook Page here and the dedicated LITTLE LICAF Instagram here
• The Virtual Comics Clock Tower is online at licafclocktower.com
The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
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