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looked like in 1999 forward. In 2006, these photographs were in- cluded in Al Gore’s “An Inconvenient Truth.” Gary traveled widely, photographing and writing about many scientists who were unlock- ing mysteries of the natural world. During my years as artist-in-res- idence at many institutions, I introduced Gary to several scientists who were seeing drastic global changes


He also synthesized dozens of scientific studies in his criti- cally acclaimed 2007 book with Bill McKibben, “Earth Under Fire: How Global Warming is Changing the World.” Vanity Fair wrote, “This may be the most deeply researched photo book of all time.” A congressman held up the book on the floor of Congress beseeching his colleagues to read it. I think people will look back and see his book as a clarion call equivalent to Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring.” SEJournal: In 2008, you and Gary collaborated on a highly


children bring home from school and that their kids are the greatest force upon them to lead a more sustainable life. SEJournal: In the face of climate change, what hope do you personally have? Cherry: When the United States realized that the Nazis were a lethal threat, we changed our economy almost overnight from making cars to building tanks and planes. The climate change threat is analogous — a looming evil that will destroy us if we do not take it seriously. Those of us who are not climate ostriches feel similar fears to what people in Nazi Germany must have felt watching the rise of Hitler. We cannot flee climate change. Our only recourse is to face it and make the changes we need to make quickly and to expose the dark money forces that are impeding the change to a re- newable, sustainable and just economy. SEJournal: Do you see your career heading down a different


Accompanied in 2006 by environmental photojournalist Gary Braasch, with whom she collaborated on a number of projects, Lynne Cherry negotiates the waters of the Bayou de View State Wildlife Management Area in northeast Arkansas, where sightings of the ivory-billed woodpecker, long thought to be extinct, had been reported the previous year.


Photo: © James R. Hill, III


acclaimed book “How We Know What We Know About Our Changing Climate: Scientists and Kids Explore Global Warming.” It received 15 major awards, including the American Association for the Advancement of Science award for Best Middle Grade Sci- ence Book of 2009. What kind of an impact do you believe it made? And what did you and Gary see in kids, in terms of their potential, their passion, curiosity and appreciation of the natural world? Cherry: I suggested that we condense and simplify Gary’s book to translate climate science for children, the public and Con- gress. We thought our book would spark children to demand action. In the 30 years of speaking about environmental issues, I saw chil- dren get very upset about bad news, especially that affecting ani- mals. Although adults bury their emotions, they, too, feel disturbed by gloomy predictions and often shut down and deny. My book, “A River Ran Wild,” used widely in elementary schools, inspired stu- dents to advocate to clean up local streams and rivers and protect forests. A League of Conservation Voters study showed that most people get their environmental information from materials their


path at any point? Cherry: My career path entails carrying on Gary’s legacy and our work to abate climate change. I have been involved in many campaigns and have learned that people taking action always trumps moneyed interests. The key is getting enough people stand- ing up and demanding action. Four hundred thousand of us marched in New York City for climate change action [in September 2014]. I hope that soon there will be millions marching. SEJournal: What’s next for you? Cherry: I can’t wait to get back to writing and illustrating chil-


dren’s books. I am collaborating with a NASA scientist and former astronaut to write and illustrate a book on the chemistry of the uni- verse. I also hope to write a book about the bonobos in Africa.


Editor’s Note: See our centerspread of photos by Gary Braasch, beginning on page14. More of his work can be seen on his website, World View of Global Warming, worldviewofglobalwarming.org. Lynne Cherry’s web site is at http://www.lynnecherry.com.


13 SEJournal Summer 2016


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