In a world of constant digital output, it can be difficult to slow down and grasp information, especially in the climate sector. As climate activists we are meant to know 101 things about the climate crisis which we are to recite at any given point, and if we don’t, we’re labelled as unaware or not real activists. If you, like me, find it overwhelming (and outright boring) to read scientific climate studies and research that lack cultural and social context, but find blog posts about ‘how to cut down on fast fashion’ too basic, print magazines are your friend. They make a great addition to your Sunday morning breakfast or your daily (post-Covid) commute. They dig deeper, create more awareness and inspire you to take action for the climate, daily.

Print media is optimal for exploring the often overlooked, intersectional perspectives of the climate crisis. Intersectionality is a framework which acknowledges the overlap between multiple different factors in any one issue instead of analysing each factor in isolation. Think of it as a large venn diagram with many rings overlapping one another, enhancing nuances between each other and with a meeting point in the middle which carefully considers each factor in conjunction with the others.

The climate movement has lacked intersectional perspectives for a long time. Scientists have analysed environmental issues in isolation when coming up with policies and solutions, which has resulted in a lack of nuance and one dimensional quick fixes to complicated issues. But by considering culture, politics, economics, art and human behaviour when looking at environmental issues, we can broader our minds, expand our understanding of the climate crisis and come up with more effective long term solutions. Print media allows for the intersectionalities in the environmental movement to be explored through art, storytelling and journalism.

The intersectional print media landscape is exploding with talent, so we’ve done a roundup of some of the best magazines that highlight just how multifaceted the climate sphere is. This is our list of the top 10 magazines that explores the relationship between the climate movement, human experiences and creativity.

‍

‍

‍

Beside

For the conscious consumer

Living a deeply connected and meaningful life is important to most. Beside aims to bridge the gap between humans and nature and make you feel connected to what truly matters. The magazine is brought to life through two projects in Montreal, Canada, the Beside Festival and Beside Cabins. These projects act as an extension of the magazine’s safe haven from the busy, digital world by getting you inspired to live a slow but conscious life. Beside welcomes you on a journey to explore stories of natural living through the eyes of indigenous communities to modern day, slow-living influencers. And for when time is of the essence, immerse yourself in climate content daily on their interactive website.

‍

Migrant Journal

For the world traveler

The Migrant Journal is a 6 issue publication which brings you on an expedition around the world as it reflects on the concept of migration, from every angle possible, from academia to art to journalism. The magazine is made up of essays, each illustrated with maps, graphics and photos to immerse you in the multifaceted world that is migration. The gorgeous print magazine itself becomes an art piece through the quality of print, paper and meticulous design. The Migrant Journal explores past, present and future implications of moving on culture, behaviour and the environment.

‍

Emergence

For the connection seeker

If you’re looking to get a quick fix of climate and cultural stories, Emergence is not for you. The in-depth, emotional stories featured in each magazine are written for the creative. You can expect to be overwhelmed with human emotion as it connects to culture, the planet and spirituality. Each magazine is an experience with an array of mixed multimedia, both visual and textural which brings you on a journey to the front lines of social and ecological battles.

‍

Hot Hot Hot

For the visual mind

With a focus on powerful images and unique illustrations, Hot Hot Hot, explores climate change and environmentalism through creative visual interpretations. The stories will leave you with a wandering mind, questioning and thinking. Hot Hot Hot stories will reawaken your passion for the climate crisis - reminding you of the key role art plays in change making. A true artistic playground to get stuck in when motivation and creativity are low.

‍

It’s Freezing in LA!

For the climate warrior

It’s Freezing in LA! adds to the climate change discourse in an accessible, innovative way through intersectional stories. The independent magazine challenges what you know about the climate crisis with visually stunning, immersive and thought provoking stories. Lifestyle, economics, art, development and politics are just a few topics covered in the IFLA! magazine. Each story is illustrated by independent artists who bring a fresh take on current issues. If you’re an artist looking to get involved in creating original and creative climate content, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more inclusive, accessible magazine then IFLA!. Contact them on their website for opportunities to collaborate.

‍

The Earth Issue

For the uninspired activist

The Earth Issue explores the conjunction of the human condition and the Anthropocene through fine art. The magazine’s beautiful art illustrates the emergency we face and the alternative futures we may have. The Earth Issue invites you to take another look at the world around you through the eye’s of  photographers, artists, fashion designers, graphic designers and storytellers.

‍

More or Less

For the fashion conscious  

Fashion is no longer about consumption, it’s about creativity. More or Less explores fashion within the wider context of human connection, everyday living, climate change and socio-political issues. As the fashion industry continues to perpetuate climate change, racism, body image issues and misogyny, More or Less acts as a safe, progressive space to explore sustainable and ethical fashion.

‍

Atmos

For the culturally connected

Effortlessly bringing climate science and culture together to create visually stunning stories, Atmos challenges what you think you know about the climate crisis. Featuring activists like Patte Gonia and Dr Vandana Shiva, each issue of the Atmos magazine does a thematic deep dive in one aspect of the climate movement and its relation to wider society, politics and social justice. For those who are ready to know more about the complex relationship between people and the planet, Atmos will challenge your preconceived thoughts about the climate movement and discourse surrounding it.

‍

Ethos

For the sustainable entrepreneur

If you want to know how to operate responsibly in a capitalist society, practice sustainable growth and learn from the businesses that share your moral values, Ethos is the magazine for you. Ethos is the leading hub for everything and everyone involved in social enterprise. Get inspired to grow your business, create a side hustle or to get involved in the thriving social enterprise scene through Ethos’ inspiring stories from local and international change makers.

‍

Wilder

For the travel enthusiast

Spending time outside and connecting with nature has become more important to many in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. Wilder brings the adventure and the great outdoors to you in the form of a stunning digital magazine. Each story reflects a deep connection between people and nature while addressing social, ecological and conservation issues. Get outside while we’re stuck inside with Wilder.