Klimaangst

Illustrator and art educator Lena Hällmayer’s Klimaangst und wandelmut is a profoundly personal and visually captivating exploration of climate anxiety, resilience, and hope. Over three years, Lena used her daily sketchbook as a canvas to process her thoughts on the climate crisis, capturing both her deepest fears and her enduring commitment to change. Hand-illustrated from cover to cover, the book is a unique, heartfelt journey that invites readers to engage with their own climate emotions, transforming fear and grief into resilience, courage, and meaningful action.

For Lena, illustrating this book was not only a creative process but a journey into understanding and sharing complex feelings. Her background in cultural education and years as an illustrator have shaped her belief in art’s unique ability to bring people closer to challenging emotions. As Lena describes: “Gefühle machen uns menschlich und zeigen ja z.B. oft an, dass irgendwas nicht stimmt.” By this, she means that emotions make us human, signaling when something is wrong— and encouraging us to change.

We at Lessebo Paper are honored to be part of this meaningful project. Lena’s choice of our Lessebo Design paper aligns with her dedication to sustainability at every level. Printed on Lessebo Design, a paper crafted from the same Swedish forests we’ve carefully managed since 1693, Klimaangst und wandelmut embodies an ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility. Lessebo Design, FSC®-certified and Cradle to Cradle Certified® at the Gold level, is one of the world’s most environmentally friendly papers, fully recyclable and biodegradable—a perfect match for a book that calls for sustainable change.

Through her work, Lena reminds us that we don’t need all the answers to make a difference. Instead, Klimaangst und wandelmut shows that resilience is built through small steps, shared efforts, and the courage to confront our emotions. In Lena’s own words, „Gefühle machen uns menschlich und können uns dazu bringen, etwas zu überdenken und zu verändern.” By embracing our emotions, she suggests, we can better understand when something is wrong and find the motivation to reassess and take action. This approach highlights the power of community, the inspiration sparked by connection, and the profound impact of even the smallest choices.

For us at Lessebo Paper, this collaboration represents more than just a printed book; it’s a shared journey toward a more sustainable future. We’re proud to support Lena’s vision and to bring this unique, hand-illustrated project to life on paper that resonates with the same dedication to environmental care.