During this week we want to highlight the importance and role of art and artists in the fight against climate change. To being with, we spoke to artist Kate Summerville about her inspiration in nature and the fight against climate change.

What is your professional background in the arts?

I am a painter.

What inspired you to pursue a career as artist?

My children. Before they came along I didn’t have the courage to consider my art as a full time, viable career. They motivated me to work harder and see that my work is important.

Tell us what the relationship between art and environmentalism means to you?

Artists have been environmentalists for many years but as concerns grow and the consensus is clear, more people are tackling the issue in their work.

What is the role of art in climate change mitigation?

Art is something that speaks to people’s emotions in a way cold, hard facts and scientific data cannot. That is the power of art, it engages people on a very primal level and is accessible to all.

What is the greatest challenge facing the planet right now in your opinion?

The impact of humans is undoubtedly the biggest challenge facing our planet right now. I hope that our innate desire to survive and innovation will prevail.

What progress have you seen – share a positive news story in regards to climate change action.

I think progress has been huge over the past few years, from the Paris Climate Agreement to nations who are responsible for much of the worlds emissions committing to carbon neutrality by set dates. I think (and hope) this can only go from strength to strength.

Who are your favourite Artist(s) who tackle themes of Climate Change?

Zaria Forman is an incredible artist who documents climate change with pastel drawings. Beautiful and awe inspiring in terms of subject matter and scale. I also love a project run by the PangeaSeed Foundation called ‘Seawalls: Artists for Oceans’. Artists all over the world create amazing murals in the name of artivism, check it out on Instagram, there is some brilliant work!

What message would you like to leave readers with in the wake of COP26?

I think we would all be wise to take heed of what the experts are telling us, commit to do a little bit better every day as individuals and embrace change!

What is next for you?

I will continue to paint the sea and it’s inhabitants and hopefully inspire people to care for our natural world and strive to protect and preserve it for future generations.