Why This NGO Officially Redesigned the Antarctica Flag

While it’s true that not many will ever visit the continent of Antarctica within their lifetime, that doesn’t mean one can’t have a firm mental image of what it looks like. After all, we’ve got photography and documentaries galore, and really, the colours of a snowy, icy landscape shouldn’t be that hard to picture… or so you’d think.

Unfortunately, the reality is quite bleak. As the latest research by the University of Canterbury shows, much like the rest of the world, this once untouched landscape has suffered the effects of global plastic pollution, becoming riddled by specks within the snow. 

For obvious reasons, this is a problem. If a continent where barely any humans live is being impacted so significantly by the rest of the world’s actions, it’s a telling sign that change is necessary - something which non-governmental organisation Agenda Antártica has been emphasising for a while. So, to further reinforce this point, it partnered up with Publicis Groupe Canada to make a difference. 

Specifically, the two contacted renowned vexillologist Graham Bartram, the original creator of the Antarctic flag, with a big ask: redesign it to reflect this recent scientific discovery. And, he did just that. Incorporating colourful shapes and dots onto the formerly white map, Graham created a jarring yet realistic vision of the state of the continent, serving as a firm reminder that nations, corporations, and individuals need to take action against global plastic pollution. 

To learn more about how this came to life, LBB’s Josh Neufeldt sat down with Publicis Canada chief creative officer Vini Dalvi for a chat.