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I am an author-illustrator of educational graphic novels and cartoon-based resources about the natural world, and a conservation biologist. My main focus is climate change. Several of my books, as well as some free resources, are available for download here.

I am an author-illustrator of educational graphic novels and cartoon-based resources about the natural world, and a conservation biologist. My main focus is climate change. Several of my books, as well as some free resources, are available for download here.
Video: climate change, oceans and coastlines
AlanJHesseAlanJHesse

Video: climate change, oceans and coastlines

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In this video, Captain Polo visits the Ecuadorian coast, where he documents how global warming affects the Pacific ocean and coastal populations. An original resource for science teachers and presented by Alan J. Hesse, Captain Polo’s creator and author of the climate change graphic novel series ‘The Adventures of Captain Polo’, the video highlights the issue of rising sea levels, one of the most serious effects of climate change on coastal areas around the world. As sea levels rise, flooding will become more and more frequent, threatening infrastructure and human survival. Population density on the coast tends to be higher than inland, and in countries like Ecuador, coastal populations live in very difficult conditions, often without proper sanitation and housing. Water flooding in from the sea not only presents an immediate physical threat; it also undermines sanitation infrastructure and water supplies. Seawater can seep into the ground water affecting crop irrigation, and drinking water. Humans as well as crops cannot drink seawater! Teachers may use this video as a conversation starter in the classroom or online, as part of their broader teaching on environment and climate change.
Educational graphic novel about climate change effects and solutions
AlanJHesseAlanJHesse

Educational graphic novel about climate change effects and solutions

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This fast-paced, Tintin-style graphic novel explores current climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies in different countries, interweaving facts with fiction in an action-packed storyline. Setting out to find food in a melting Arctic landscape, Captain Polo finds himself back on the ocean waves in his trusty sailing boat, falling into one crazy adventure after another. Except this time, he is sailing on the secret agenda of a hidden stowaway! Book 4 of this series of climate change books for kids takes Captain Polo on another rollicking, funny global journey that uncovers ever more important aspects of global warming, and importantly, also the many ways we can all become part of the solution. In this way readers as young as age 9 will be introduced to: climate change and biodiversity climate change and agriculture climate change economics climate change justice impact of climate change on environment how climate change affects animals This latest release in the popular series includes a detailed glossary explaining the main technical terms and concepts used in the book and as heard increasingly frequently in the media. “Captain Polo’s adventures are a great way to get your child started on climate literacy.” - Asha Alexander, Principal, GEMS Kindergarten Starters and Executive Leader of Climate Change at GEMS Education, Dubai “Fantastically enjoyable graphic novel with an eco-conscious theme - educational and thought-provoking for children and adults alike.” - Reedsy “Captain Polo’s adventures provide a powerful learning tool that raises awareness in a way that’s both engaging and enjoyable on a very serious topic that affects us all.” - Ashton Berry, Global Climate Change Programme Coordinator, BirdLife International “The book is fun. It is a pleasure to read. Children will learn a lot and enjoy doing it. I can’t recommend Pole to Pole highly enough. It should be purchased for all kids, and even adults too.” - Amazon 5-star review
Environmentally themed Christmas picture book
AlanJHesseAlanJHesse

Environmentally themed Christmas picture book

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The Arctic ice is melting due to global warming and Santa can’t take off in his sleigh. Luckily, Captain Polo and his Inuit friends are there to help! This funny, vividly illustrated children’s book combines the Christmas theme with a gentle introduction to some of the main effects and practical solutions to climate change in a way that children from age 6 can understand and positively engage with. The book includes a useful glossary of main technical terms designed to help young (and not so young) readers understand the essential drivers of climate change. This updated edition also features a new section containing FOUR PRACTICAL ACTIONS that everyone can start making to become leaders towards a healthier environment and a better future. With it’s festive storyline and important message, this book makes for a perfect Christmas read at a time when caring about our planet has never been more important. “This is perfect for children to learn about taking care of our environment. Not only does this teach about climate change, but also to never give up and be persistent.” - Amazon 5-star review “Great book, reinforcing that even one small change will make a difference. From the words on my 7 year old " Santa was being very bossy on page 38 which isn’t good for him, will make him loose his magic… and she’s very concerned about the presents not being delivered due to climate change and the ice melting. Santa is right things will just get worse if nothing changes.” - Amazon 5-star review “This Christmas themed book explains how / why it’s important to take care of our environment and what we can do to help. The book also explains things like climate change, greenhouse gases, The atmosphere, Global warming, etc… This is different than most Christmas books. I like the story and that Santa’s sleigh is solar powered. Let’s teach future generations to be kind to our earth.” - Amazon 5-star review
A uniquely educational and entertaining colouring book about climate change
AlanJHesseAlanJHesse

A uniquely educational and entertaining colouring book about climate change

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This colouring-book edition of Pole to Pole, the latest release in the climate change graphic novel series “The Adventures of Captain Polo” offers a unique and original resource for younger readers to have fun while learning about the most critical existential and environmental issue of our time. Readers are invited to colour-in the graphic novel as they see fit, and thereby create their very own version to share and learn with. Through an action-packed storyline interweaving facts with fiction replete with comic heroes, villains and world maps, the reader is taken on another epic global journey to discover a whole new set of lesser-known aspects of climate change, and importantly, also the many solutions that exist. “My 9 year old son loves this latest book from the Captain Polo series. He loves that climate change is at the heart of the book, and that this new format means it can be shared with younger siblings and friends. The characters are fun and engaging and it delivers a vital subject in a truly accessible way. We can’t wait for the next installment!” - Amazon 5 star Review