Have you ever stopped to think about what our planet might resemble if we continue neglecting its care? Could we someday be sipping cocktails on the shores of a sunken Nevada? Or will the Statue of Liberty be little more than a lonely torch peeking out from the depths of a murky ocean? Perhaps we’ll all embark on a scuba diving adventure in Washington, D.C.?
Sounds a bit grim, right? But sometimes a chuckle is necessary to prevent us from sinking into despair over our increasingly polluted rivers. Presently, climate change regulations are being rolled back, and we find ourselves in an era where the EPA’s budget is facing significant cuts.
A creative agency named EverGreen Creative in Boulder, Colorado, has crafted a series of travel posters that humorously depict what tourism might look like in a future marred by climate inaction. These illustrations are both darkly amusing and a stark reminder of the path we’re on. They were recently re-released to coincide with the March for Science, and you can download any of these posters for free.
We spoke with Mia Johnson, co-founder of EverGreen Creative, a passionate advocate and mother of two, about the motivation behind these eye-catching designs. “As a mom, it’s essential for me to show my daughters that women can lead the charge in environmental advocacy. Like many working mothers, I carry the weight of guilt about my job, so I want to channel my energy into causes that truly matter.”
But do these posters exaggerate the potential consequences of our actions? The EPA has provided alarming statistics about the urgency of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It’s a fact that our planet is warming. According to the EPA, “Earth’s average temperature has risen by 1.5°F over the past century and is projected to rise another 0.5 to 8.6°F over the next hundred years.” If we don’t make significant adjustments, the average temperature in the U.S. could increase by 3°F to 12°F by century’s end, with every 2°F rise leading to a 15% decrease in Arctic sea ice. Plus, sea levels could rise anywhere from 1 to 4 feet. Check out this map from NOAA to see how a 6-foot sea level rise could impact the U.S. – it’s not a pretty picture.
Now is not the time to weaken environmental protections, propose a 31% reduction in EPA funding, or withdraw from the Paris Agreement—a global pact to combat climate change. It’s high time to take global warming seriously and make personal changes to minimize greenhouse emissions. If we don’t, the predictions illustrated in EverGreen Creative’s posters may very well become our new reality.
You can join the March for Science, which advocates for scientific research and awareness. This planet is our only home, and we must protect it for future generations. As the March for Science website aptly states, “There is no Planet B.”
In conclusion, it’s crucial that we recognize the importance of caring for our environment and take action now to alter the course we are on. From funding cuts to rising temperatures, the signs are clear. Together, we can make a difference and avoid the dystopian future depicted in those posters.