illustration of a person floating in water

Living on a Dying Planet

Mental health is an environmental issue too. Perrin Ireland explores what it's like to live in a world where the future is not what we wanted—and it's our fault.

• • •

Illustration of hands holding an apple, handwritten text in the image says "My dear friend studies how climate change will impact our health. She can also split an apple with her bare hands. Is that a trick? We applaud it like the best magic trick"

Illustration of a drink on a cocktail napkin. Handwritten text says "She told me once about getting a drink at a conference with a respected climate scientist and a young doctoral student."

Illustration of snacks. Handwritten text says "So what do you think will really unfold as climate change progresses? The student asked"

Illustration of an African American woman with her back to us walking through a lot. Handwritten text says "Rich people will have a less enriched, less pleasurable experience. He'd said... and poor people will die."

Abstract illustration. Handwritten text says "I've always been undateable, but it's gotten worse since I really learned about climate change."

Illustration of a hand holding an iPhone. Text in the iPhone says "From 'First Date Guy' - 'Water in Maine feels cold to me! Wanted to reassure you.' then a speech bubble as if the narrator is typing a response"

Illustration of a woman drawing, sitting on a beach. Handwritten text says "From a person outside the frame; 'Should I just text him that paper that shows the Northwest Atlantic is warming faster than anywhere else?' The person drawing replies 'Um, maybe not?'"

Illustration of a golden toad. Handwritten text says "He ghosted eventually" and a caption next to the toad illustration that says "Golden Toad, extinct 2016"

Illustration of a woman next to a man, with flowers in the background. Handwritten text says "Man says 'So, what are your hobbies?' Woman replies 'Well, worry.'" Caption at the bottom of the illustration says "Me and my planetary pain go out on a date"

Illustration of a golden record. Handwritten text says "The Voyager Spacecraft launched space in 1977 carrying the GOLDEN RECORD"

Illustration of woman laughing, Chuck Berry playing guitar, and a bird all coming from the golden record. Handwritten text says "Human laughter, Chuck Berry, and Birdsong"

Illustration of a letter. Handwritten text says "It also included a message" The letter says "This is a present from a small, distant world, a token of our sounds, our science, our images, our music, our thoughts and our feelings. We are attempting to survive our time so we may live into yours...signed, Jimmy Carter, President of the United States of America"

Illustration of an owl. Handwritten text says "The record does not say Dear Future Beings: We need your guidance. Can you help? I wonder what does an earthling do when there are no adults who know the ending?"

Illustration of a family of 3 wading through the ocean with flashlights. Handwritten text says "I will tell my climate scientist friend that I can't bring babies into this mess. She pauses not. 'Oh you must!' She tells me. You will raise some of the leaders to guide us through.

Illustration of people hugging and walking dog. Handwritten text says "Climate scientists are having CLIMATE TRAUMA sessions at their conferences. Some suggestions they've shared; remember your values, don't give up, hug, walk dogs"

Illustration of two women swimming in the ocean. Handwritten text says "I mean that's what growing up is finding out what our particular shit is, and telling our friends where it hurst. My friend says, 'What does it mean to act our age?'

Illustration of a woman with a whale leaping in front of her face. Handwritten text says "Growing up and being with our grief allows us to have a bigger sense of time. A different sense of what it means to accomplish something" Attribution by Joanna Macy.

Illustration of a hand. Handwritten text says "But many people will die in Puerto Rico

Illustration of a cliff. Handwritten text says "What a privilege, guilt."

Illustration of an iPhone. Handwritten text says "What is your city council member's name? Is there lead in the water at the school on your block? Where is your local food bank? What are the fights in your most intimate biospheres?"

Illustration of a red deer. Handwritten text says "Step your sidewalk. I will meet you there - Perrin"

PERRIN IRELAND is a visual storyteller and activist in Brooklyn.

Published 11–13–2017

More for You

Illustration of a hand opening and turning into a leaf

Lost: Orgasm. Reward if Found.

Death to 2017

collage of images: Donald Trump, a newspaper that says "harassment", an image of a hurricane blowing palm trees, and the Charleston white supremecy riots