These days Lily Cole is known as much for sustainability as she is modelling. In her new book, Who Cares Wins: Reasons for Optimism in Our Changing World, which she spent four years researching and writing, the philanthropist, environmental activist, model and actress has issued a rousing call to action to tackle climate change. It’s as bold as the book’s cover, which you may recognise as the work of Loughran Gallery favourite Harland Miller. Known for his cheeky parodies of Penguin classics, we couldn’t think of a better pairing.
With global warming already having dire consequences and human expansion linked to the extinction of countless species, Cole met with some of the millions of people around the world who are working on solutions to our biggest challenges and committed to creating a more sustainable and peaceful future for humanity.
Through interviews with the likes of Stella McCartney, Elon Musk and Extinction Rebellion co-founder Professor Gail Bradbrook, Cole explores issues from fast fashion to fast food and renewable energy to gender equality.
Despite tackling such daunting subjects, hers is a message of hope in dark times. She believes there is a reason to keep on fighting and constructive, and often innovative, ways to meet these challenges. It is for us to choose optimism, to make a change and to show what is possible. And as a generation, we will either be celebrated for our activism or blamed for our apathy.
As well as her various modelling accolades, Lily Cole holds an MA in History of Art from the University of Cambridge and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters for contribution to humanitarian and environmental causes by the University of Glasgow. In 2013, she launched Impossible.com, the innovator and incubator committed to social and environmental change.
Who Cares Wins: Reasons for Optimism in Our Changing World by Lily Cole is available now by Penguin Life for £20.
