I DONT BELIVE IN GLOBAL WARMING, Banksy ,2009

The anonymous England-based street artist Banksy, is known for his striking and powerful images that engage political themes and his satirical criticism of war, hypocrisy and greed. He is one of the most controversial street artists in the world.

In 2009, he spray-paints a message in red capitals on a wall beside Regent's canal in Camden, north London, that seems to be linked to the failure to find an agreement about global warming during the Copenhagen Summit in 2009; it has apparently provided inspiration for him.

This message « I DON'T BELIEVE IN GLOBAL WARMING » is also clearly ironical as the words are disappearing below the water: London is especially threatened by global warming and flooding (caused by melting ice and rising water) as it is located on the Thames estuary and is therefore particularly exposed to tidal fluctuations. The Camden district with its canals would be particularly affected, so if there is rising water because of the global warming, the message would be submerged.

Plus, apart from the fact that this colour catches the eye, red is generally associated with violence or danger, which stresses out Banksy’s message.

I really liked how Banksy uses derision and humor to denounce a serious and actual environmental issue, and the way he denounces how ridiculous people's skepticism about global warming is. His message clearly strikes people's minds.