News / COP27
Illustrating a greener future through power of art
Artists have created artwork to capture people’s attitudes to climate change and their messages to leaders at COP27.
Montpellier illustrator and designer Jasmine Thompson, 28, created a series of 20 drawings as the UN summit progresses in Egypt.
She was commissioned by the University of Bristol Cabot Institute for the Environment to draw on feedback from people who visited areas open to the public at Glasgow’s COP26 in 2021.
is needed now More than ever
Topics explored include conservation, biodiversity, united action, urgency and underrepresented voices.
“Now it’s about focusing the minds of policy makers and empowering everyone to get behind the necessity to adapt and change for a brighter, more sustainable future,” said Jasmine
Jasmine said: “I enjoy producing art with a positive purpose and this felt like a great opportunity to highlight important issues, which people really care about.
“The climate crisis is hitting home now and we’re all becoming more aware and concerned about its far-reaching impact.
“Younger generations are especially invested in tackling the challenge, as they learn about it at school and are also witnessing it first-hand.
“I hope the drawings resonate with people of all ages and inspire people to think about the future and what we can do to start making a difference today.”
Andy spent a week completing the piece using spray paint and acrylics – photo: Andy Council
Andy Council, 48, also took part in the project, painting a verdant scene of the city full of trees and greenery, people walking or cycling, and buildings with solar panels. He spent a week completing the piece using spray paint and acrylics.
The artist from south Bristol said: “The green transition absolutely needs to happen, so it was great being part of this project.
“Art has more of an impact on society than people think and I hope, in this case, it helps people take on board a message and get behind the changes.
“We can all be part of the solution and make little changes, which could be as simple as leaving your car at home and cycling locally and making more sustainable choices with what you eat and how its packaged.”
Dr Alix Dietzel, senior lecturer at the University, who is attending COP27, said the project’s aims as to “lay out a vision that was clear and hopeful”.
The drawings will be shared digitally during the summit, which runs until November 18, on social media under the strapline Every Voice Matters and displayed in the Richmond Building at the Students’ Union from Tuesday to Friday.
Main image: Jasmine Thompson
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