The cartoon “War Against Climate Change” by Chriss Riddell, published in The Guardian on December 20, 2009, critically investigates the devastating effects of climate change in the near future and the denial of responsibility by older generations. Based on the scenery, a grandfather sits in an armchair with his granddaughter on his lap and his grandson sitting at his feet. The daughter asks their grandfather: “Grandpa, what did you do in the war against climate change?” All three look starving, and in the background, one can see a devastated, dry and polluted landscape.

The cartoon can serve as a starting point for a classroom discussion or a project week on environmental awareness, global warming and the carbon footprint. A variety of other cartoons by Chris Riddell concerning climate change, Brexit, COVID-19 and migration can be found via the link below.

Cartoon · United Kingdom · 2009