Climate change has become an everyday issue as more people become aware of it. But have you thought about what climate change means for animals? The impacts of changes in temperature might not seem substantial just yet, but effects are gradually taking place all over the world as more and more animal species go extinct due to the change of ecosystems and habitat loss. Animal species are constantly dealing with loss of habitats and food, and some are altering their breeding and feeding patterns in order to survive.

This poster series reminds people that the little things we do every day tend to have consequences, and can eventually lead to decline in animal species. By using familiar and well liked animals such as polar bears, sea turtles and monarch butterflies, the message approaches as a friendly reminder and call to action, rather than gloom and doom. Polar bears depend on sea ice to hunt, rest and breed. We can help by walking or riding a bike when possible, instead of driving, as transportation is a leading cause of greenhouse gas emissions. All stages of a sea turtle’s life are affected by the unusually warm sea temperatures. We can support by participating in coastal clean-ups and reduce the use of plastics. Climate change is disrupting the monarch butterflies’ annual migration pattern. This call to plant native milkweed in your garden to help support the growth of the monarchs’ population. 

The goal is to allow the viewers to focus on the illustration and the message. The title has a rhyming component to hopefully resonate deeply as a reminder for the viewers: Polar bears? They need care. Sea turtles? They matter. Monarch butterflies? They have lives. The choice of vibrant colours like bright blue, bright yellow and acid green set the mood for the posters and can direct the viewer’s eye, emphasize important aspects and influence the reaction of the viewer. The colour scheme and the textured background also give options for contrast and balance while keeping the other elements minimal.