While COVID has dominated the headlines, perhaps a far greater challenge is that of climate change. How can we create a sustainable future for everyone?

In this selection, shortlisted illustrators take this question, and offer creative solutions. From campaigns commissioned by organisations, to personal projects that show us that a more sustainable world is possible.

Xavier Mula‘s poster ‘Without planet there is no life’ shows the importance of community action in solving the climate crisis. The strong composition and colour palette use text and image to convey its powerful message.

This highly stylised series of illustrations by Victoria Nakada show the processes of the earth, celebrating the beauty and complexity of the systems that support life.

Karin Eremia‘s illustration shows the changes in the ecology and water supply across Africa, in this case the Zambezi river. The illustration is realised in screenprint, carefully balancing shape, colour and text to convey complex information.

He Yizhou‘s illustrations for Super Magazine explore how human behaviour impacts the natural world. The series use digital techniques to create almost diagrammatic illustrations full of glowing colour that conveys the warming of the planet.

This series of gifs by Daniel Liévano commissioned by WeTransfer to promote their sustainability agenda. The animations convey hope for a future where the natural world can continue to thrive.

George Fox‘s intensely detailed fine liner illustrations examine the impact of human invention and technology on animals. Using augmented reality, these illustrations invite us to consider the impact of tech on the animal kingdom and the wider ecosystem.

Carles G.O’D‘s illustration commissioned by Save the Med uses isometric perspective to create a narrative within one image that can be used for storytelling and campaigning.

This painterly illustration by Book Karnjanakit shows the wildlife of the island of Assateague off the East Coast of the USA. The flattened perspective and accompanying legend allow for all the animals to be shown in one space.

Laura Oh‘s personal project was created to make packaging for a monthly toothbrush subscription more fun and interactive. The box opens up like a crocodile’s mouth. Rather than being thrown away, the packaging can be reused later as an interactive toy.

This poster series by Tabitha Wall uses collage, burnt paper and recycled elements to create a high contrast, high impact suite of images that highlight the state of the planet we will leave to the next generation.

Stacy Gougoulis‘ series of immersive illustrations accompany a podcast about the story of the impact of bushfires on one Australian family. The images are incredibly moving, and highlight the personal and global scale of climate change.