A new graphic novel developed by University College Cork (UCC) using Met Éireann climate science and visual storytelling to highlight real-world impacts of climate change will be launched next month.
Chasing the Curlew’s Call / Ar Lorg Ghlao an Chrotaigh, is the culmination of a unique collaboration between Met Éireann, UCC researchers and members of the public, aimed at communicating the impacts of climate change in accessible and engaging ways.
Chasing the Curlew’s Call cover
Dr Rosa Rogers, Research Fellow and Lecturer in Creative Writing at UCC College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences, guided the graphic novel from initial community co-design through to narrative development, in collaboration with visual artist Rosa Kelly and colleagues from the Met Éireann-funded TRANSLATE project, with the text translated into Irish by Merlin Pearson.
The TRANSLATE project provides Ireland’s first standardised, high-resolution climate projections to support climate planning and adaptation and helps translate complex climate data into practical information for policymakers, infrastructure providers and communities.
This ‘storyline’ aspect of the project reflects a growing recognition that creative and interdisciplinary approaches can play an important role in helping the public connect with climate science and understand its real-world impacts.
The official launch of Chasing the Curlew’s Call / Ar Lorg Ghlao an Chrotaigh will take place on Tuesday, 2 June from 4–6pm in the Aula Maxima, UCC.
The event will feature an exhibition tracing the development of the project, from the initial narrative design process through to visual art creation, Irish translation and young people’s creative responses. Attendees will also hear from Met Éireann representatives on its support for this innovative climate communication initiative.
A panel discussion will explore the participatory processes behind the work, while closing presentations will share insights from youth workshops and highlight opportunities for educators and the wider public to engage with the project.
Speaking ahead of the event, Dr Catriona Duffy from Met Éireann’s Climate Services Division said; “Funding the Curlew storyline through the TRANSLATE project shows the value of combining science, community perspectives and storytelling to help people engage with climate change. Storyline approaches are especially important in climate science because they make complex issues more human and relatable.
“By connecting scientific research with real people, places and experiences, storytelling can help audiences better understand the everyday impacts of climate change and why it matters.”
Also speaking, Dr Rosa Rogers said: “Chasing the Curlew’s Call / Ar Lorg Ghlao an Chrotaigh is a work that bridges applied arts and science collaboration, as well as participatory co-design. The launch will trace the creative production of this work, including a performance from the text, a process-based exhibition and panel discussion on the power of storytelling in meaningful climate communication.”
The launch event is free and open to all ages, but registration is required in advance via Eventbrite.