This can only happen through network-powered collective intelligence and action. The youth activists across the globe are leading the way, but they are not the only ones with powerful networks.

Real solutions will require more open flow of information, honest conversations, careful coordination and systematic accountability at a scale we’ve never before achieved.

Cultivate networks of action and accountability.

We need IPLC leaders to be at the center of designing our collective future. We need to ensure that their voices are amplified and heard. For decades, centuries even, they have been warning humanity about the implications of our actions. Indigenous peoples and local communities can see and understand the climate crisis in ways that many of us cannot. So as we continue to confront the climate crisis, what lessons might the Rainbow have for us? While the Rainbow, and its valley of paradise was saved in Ul de Rico’s story, our Goblins are still out there, scheming to capture and bleed paradise. It no longer stretches all the way to the ground - disappearing before it touches the earth and safeguarded from the Goblins of the future. They were able to devise a coordinated, counter-attack on the Goblins to save the Rainbow.įrom that moment, the Rainbow is more cautious when it appears. They heard the Goblin plan and communicated it through their underground networks with all the plants in the valley.

The night before, while the Goblins were scheming in their cave, the Roots, dangling from the ceiling, were listening. Soon the Goblins are drowning in a sea of colour, entangled in their own lassos. Liquid colour begins to flow from all of the wild flowers in the valley. The Rainbow suddenly disappears and the lassoes snap back and ensnare them. But as they approach and take out their lassoes, something unexpected happens. The Goblins set off to activate their plan. The sun is shining, flowers blooming, leaves glistening, and the rainbow has appeared, a magical arch spanning the valley.

The next morning they wake to a glorious day in the valley. They then fall asleep to dreams of gorging themselves on their respective colours: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet. Taking shelter from the storm in a cave, they plot their villainous plan: organisation, strategy and tactics. They know that the next morning, after the storm passes, the great rainbow that they seek to plunder will appear. Arriving in the evening, just as a thunderstorm is approaching, they can hardly contain their excitement. With the promise of great riches from the Rainbow, they set out on a long, treacherous journey to the valley. Seven Goblins scheme to steal the colors of a rainbow in a far away valley paradise. The story has critical lessons for how we move forward to confront the climate crisis. With #COP26 wrapping up, the majestic myth and vivid images of The Rainbow Goblins by Ul de Rico serve as an inspiration, and a warning.

The rainbow goblins by ul de rico