UNITED NATIONS - / MaximsNews Network / 10 July 2008 -- Earthworks, a global political cartoon competition, believes that art and humor are unique tools that can bring attention to a particular crisis.  And today that crisis is global warming.  

For this year’s competition, Earthworks 2008 sought to encourage entries from around the world – giving cartoonists a platform on which to express themselves when it comes to the particular critical issue of global warming.

According to the organizer of Earthworks 2008, John Renard, the competition this year sought to stimulate cartoonists to use their pens and wit to help combat environmental devastation and give new inspiration to the challenging fight to curtail global warming.

Given the growing importance of this issue, some 600 entries from about fifty countries were submitted.

Despite the sharp wit that pervades the cartoons that were submitted, climate change and water challenges are no laughing matter for their authors. 

Many of the countries represented by the numerous entries are already suffering the effects of global warming.  

For example, two cartoons were sent from Burma, where a cyclone earlier this year tore through five regions, killing at least 100,000 people, and leaving millions more without shelter, food, or clean water.

A number of the entries particularly focused on the effect of global warming on the Earth’s water supply. 

Specifically, cartoonists tackled various water issues including dwindling water supplies, clean water, and water wars.

Additionally, water scarcity and desertification were common themes among the entries submitted, with many images showing parched landscapes and dried up water sources. 

Some of these cartoon entries illustrated what is already occurring in hotter parts of the world such as Africa, Australia and South America. 

However, the impact of water scarcity and the dwindling supplies of fresh water affect the entire world. No continent is immune from this predicament.

The judging panel included cartoonists Martin Rowson and Morten Morland and Green Party principal speaker Dr Derek Wall.  

First place went to an entry from Russia; second place was awarded to an entry from Romania; and third place went to an entry from Thailand.

A selection of the best cartoons will go on tour over the next year.

labels: United Nations, U.N., MaximsNews WATER, water, Kathy Shandling, Earthworks, cartoon competition, global warming, climate change, international development, environment, water news, water sustainability, water resource, water management, global water crisis, sustainable development

 

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