Communicating multispecies planetary health through multimodal humour and satire.

Abstract

This article explores the role of humour and satire in promoting multispecies planetary health, with a focus on the work of Indian cartoonist Rohan Chakravarty. Following a critical examination of anthropocentric perspectives in planetary health, the study examines how multimodal satirical narratives critique anthropocentrism, capitalism and environmental injustice through a qualitative analysis of his Green Humour series, while advocating for a holistic understanding of health that integrates human, non-human and ecological well-being. The analysis highlights the potential of humour and satire to engage diverse audiences, encouraging critical reflection on human-nature relationships, challenging systemic inequities and fostering a biocentric perspective. By addressing intersections of race, coloniality, gender and interspecies relationships, the study demonstrates how satirical communication can subvert traditional paradigms and encourage reflection on deeper environmental issues. The findings suggest that humour and satire offer a promising strategy for advancing planetary health, particularly in the context of climate change and global multispecies health promotion.