The Bottlenecks Issue

This special digital issue of The New Yorker is dedicated to the inventive, passionate people and experts finding solutions to our climate challenges that make other solutions possible. The visual inspiration for the issue draws from diverse sources: optimistic airbrush art from the 1980’s, landscape painting, and geometric ceramic tiles—creating a visual language that feels both contemporary and cosmic.

I commissioned Daniel Liévano to create the cinematic landscape for the cover and opening illustration of the issue.

I wanted a bright palette to unify the visual sensibility of the issue, expressing its hopeful message. Shining and vibrant, Arina Kokoreva’s tile-like animation accompanied an article about the tiny glass bubbles used to protect Arctic ice, while Jose Berrio's art for the opening essay of the issue makes the metaphor of bottleneck climate solutions literal.

I directed the artist Ard Su to illustrate an interactive essay examining a new satellite aimed at pinpointing emissions.

Till Lauer’s playful spots offer visual fodder for Bill McKibben’s advice on how individuals can combat climate change.