22 January 2021

#AntarcticLog: The Future of Science & Action

Posted by Shane Hanlon

#AntarcticLog is a series of comics by Karen Romano Young. You can find the originals here

Last week I posted about some youth activists who’ve inspired me. Here are a few more: 

I want to add just one more: New York’s Alexandra Villaseñor.  Doing her own version of the How It Started/How It’s Going meme, she tweeted a 2018 statement that the next president must prioritize climate change, side by side with a December 2020 Washington Post report that Joe Biden was doing just that. The headline: Thank you, activists!  Villaseñor has also partnered with American Girl on a new book called LOVE THE EARTH, for young people. I’d say the future is looking bright.  

This week I’m banking on that, so this #AntarcticLog entry will look back on a few comics that emphasized leadership and the work of people willing to prioritize this planet — and to make the case that in doing so, we’ll profit in more ways than just the usual one. 

I’ll start with former Vice President Al Gore. 

…And move on to scientist Ayana Elizabeth Johnson. 

Thanks to voices like these, my ears are tuned — and my heart is ready — for serious and swift progress on saving the earth for future generations. May our leaders be strong and brave. 

Karen Romano Young is a writer, artist, deep-sea diver, and polar explorer. Follow her on Twitter & Instagram