Swedish Cartoons using the power of humour to make a climate difference

Facing the Climate, an exhibition that looks at the climate issue from new angles was launched at the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) Campus by the Ambassador of Sweden to Samoa H.E Mr Pär Ahlberger on Tuesday 2 November.

The exhibition showcases work by five Swedish cartoonists including Love Antell, Magnus Bard, Riber Hansson, Karin Sunvisson and Helena Lindholm. Their work has been viewed in traveling exhibitions around the world by over 250,000 people in over 20 countries including Athens, Tel Aviv, Latvia, South Africa and now, Samoa.

Exhibiting cartoonist Helena Lindholm states – "The use of satire, cartoons and political illustrations is my way of catching the reader's attention, and hopefully interest, for issues that might not always be easy, lightweight and fun. The power of humour is NOT to be underestimated."

Facing the Climate exhibition is a timely event given a new global climate change agreement is to be signed off at the end of this year during the 21st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to the Framework on Climate Change in Paris, France.

Pacific island countries are calling for emission reductions which will limit global warming to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels.

"There are some excellent and very evocative images in this exhibition. This illustrates how important it is to use every vehicle and approach possible to highlight the importance of climate change and the need for urgent action," said Mr. David Sheppard, Director-General of SPREP.

"Pacific island leaders have consistently stated climate change is the biggest threat facing our Pacific islands and have underlined the extreme vulnerability of our nations to a changing climate."

Facing the Climate exhibition was launched by H.E Ahlberger, Ambassador of Sweden to Samoa who outlined the commitment from Sweden, an environmental pioneer.

Climate is a key issue for Sweden, with over half of its national energy supply consisting of renewable energy and legislation in place to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

"Sweden strives to lead by example in the global battle against climate change," said H.E Ahlberger.

"We are new to the Pacific region but are looking at the best way for us to start and move forward and add value to the environmental work underway in the Pacific."

The exhibition is on show at the SPREP Campus in Vailima through until 17 November, 2015.