Why I’m Passionately Fighting for the Environment: My Journey and Insights

Ms. Woo Qiyun might be just 28 years old, but she’s already making waves in the fight against climate change. As a senior communications manager with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, she helps provide vital scientific data to policymakers. This information is crucial for understanding climate issues and exploring solutions.

A proud graduate in environmental studies from the National University of Singapore, Woo is also an accomplished illustrator. Since 2018, she has used her talent to simplify sustainability through engaging comics on her Instagram page, @theweirdandwild. Her creative approach has garnered her nearly 25,000 followers.

In addition to her illustrations, she co-hosts a podcast called The Climate Cheesecake. Here, she discusses her passion for sustainability and its pressing importance, especially for Singaporeans.

Woo’s interest in the environment sparked during her childhood. She recalls being deeply affected by the death of Steve Irwin, dedicating pages in her school journal to honor him. It was then she realized how much she cared about issues like recycling and deforestation, leading her to pursue environmental studies.

When she started school, discussions about sustainability weren’t as widespread as they are today. She notes how the viral image of a straw in a turtle’s nose began to shift conversations around plastic use. Yet, she found that valuable information about recycling in Singapore was hard to find online, often buried in lengthy documents. This gap motivated her to make sustainability information more accessible.

Why comics? Inspired by a graphic novel she read as a teen, she saw the power of visuals to explain complex topics. Starting with infographics, she eventually launched her Instagram page upon encouragement from friends.

The response has been overwhelming. People engage with her content, ask questions, and share how her posts have inspired them to adopt eco-friendly habits. She is thrilled to merge science and art to spread awareness about sustainability.

Woo often reflects on the urgency of environmental issues, viewing milestones like 2030 and 2050 as just around the corner. The increasing impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather, motivate her passion. Yet it’s her love for the natural world that drives her efforts forward.

In a world increasingly aware of climate issues, voices like Woo’s are vital. They provide accessible insights, urging everyone to make informed choices for a sustainable future.

For more information on climate change and its global impact, visit the United Nations Environment Programme.

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