Obki: Fighting Climate Change

Obki is a new, fun & engaging kids brand targeting 5-9 year olds with a unique focus on positive actions kids can take to help slow down climate change.

The first season of 16 TV episodes launched successfully on Sky kids in the UK & ROI in August 2021. A second series is being planned and there is also be an Obki Christmas special. The animated series features the original character Obki, a loveable alien, on his journey to be a positive force for good on Earth.

Obki seeks to educate and empower kids to make positive choices that help to protect the future of our planet.

And just before COP26, Obki’s already escalating presence went into orbit with the news he has become a One Step Greener ambassador, replete with an audience with Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Obki covers a whole range of environmental concerns during each episode – including one looking at the issues of cows and emissions, with Obki taking a light hearted approach to the issue before recommending a plant based diet to all. And just before COP26, Obki’s already escalating presence went into orbit with the news he has become a One Step Greener ambassador, replete with an audience with Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Obki already looks to have his work cut out for 2022 and we look forward to more from the loveable alien and his climate change combatting influence on our children and grandchildren.

‘Gasmosphere’

Gasmosphere is the episode where Obki tackles the windy issue of cows and methane with plant-based diets.

What’s worse than one farting cow adding methane to the atmosphere? ...How about an army of farting cows adding methane to the atmosphere!

Obki overcomes his case of the giggles in order to tackle the problem of methane gas pollution. Not quite as amused, the orb zaps him to an alpine farm where he comes face to face with the problem (a little too close to his face, in fact…) A fart cloud growing so big it could cover the whole planet!

Obki does his best to battle his way out of the farm farts but a horrible SPLAT noise underneath his foot indicates he might not have escaped unscathed… Back at base, he gives his webbed foot a good scrub, with an all new appreciation for eating plant-based food instead of animal products.

A huge advocate of helping the environment, Obki founder Amanda Evans doesn’t sit on the fence. Inspired to create Obki by her passion for open water swimming and seeing the effect the environment was having on the sea, she wanted to engage with kids.

Obki scoops COP26 ambassadorship!

Obki, the loveable underwater alien cartoon on Sky Kids has been recognised for its ground-breaking environmental episodes for kids and contribution to the global climate change discussion at an inspiring COP26 Cultural Showcase and Reception at 10 Downing Street, London.

Obki scooped the highly contested One Step Greener Ambassadorship, voted for by the British public. The ambassadorship was awarded by Prime Minister Boris Johnson ahead of the COP26 Summit in Glasgow November 2021. The Government launched a nationwide search for climate leaders in July.

Hundreds of entries from across the UK were submitted and Obki’s award-winning animator Simone Giampaolo was recognised for the creative genius behind Obki’s persona. Simone has spent the last 20 years in the animation industry and believes film can be a powerful storytelling tool to educate people on the importance of nature and protecting the environment.

Obki episode Switch It Up was showcased to 190 world leaders at COP26. Members of the public were also in attendance at an Obki screening on 7th November at COP26 with Simone, plus questions and answers with Steve Backshall, MBE, BAFTAwinning British explorer, naturalist, presenter and writer best known for BBC TV’s Deadly 60.

Simone and Obki founder Amanda Evans collectively have 40 years’ experience in the animation industry and have been recognised as the most inspiring, innovative, and ground-breaking members of the animation sector.

A huge advocate of helping the environment, Obki founder Amanda Evans doesn’t sit on the fence. Inspired to create Obki by her passion for open water swimming and seeing the effect the environment was having on the sea, she wanted to engage with kids. Evans says:

“The One Step Greener campaign encourages people to take actions that have a positive impact on our environment. There are simple steps we can all take every day to make life more sustainable and they all add up. We are proud to be chosen as a COP26 ambassador. The loveable and fun persona of Obki has clearly resonated with the British public and we are so happy to lead the One Step Greener chain to encourage and inspire children around the world to go #OneStepGreener for the environment. We are looking forward to taking Obki’s message across the world.”

COP26 President- Designate Alok Sharma said: “From schools to businesses and employees, to thousands of individuals across the country, we all have a part to play in going one step greener. That is why I am extremely proud to see the final One Step Greener Ambassadors announced. I look forward to seeing the stories of these inspirational individuals from all over the UK showcased at COP26.”

There are simple steps we can all take every day to make life more sustainable and they all add up.

I love the salads my friend the Orb makes me however it does have its consequences, if you know what I mean...

A sitdown with Obki the Alien

We were over the moon to be able to connect with the astronomically busy and important Obki - Plant Powered Planet’s first interview with a real live alien!

PPP: Obki! Pleasure to meet you! How’s life?

Obki: Hi. Life right know is very interesting watching the world coming together to discuss and find solutions on climate change and making sure we keep 1.5 alive.

PPP: And you met Boris! Does he talk a lot?

Obki: He’s definitely a chatty one, yes, but I heard all politicians are... aren’t they? During the reception at 10 Downing Street, he really stressed the importance of COP26 and leaders coming together to promptly act against climate change, which I thought was nice!

PPP: Boris - bit windy like the cows?

Obki: Ahahah, no one can beat the cows in terms of wind - unfortunately!

PPP: Cop26 - There seemed to be some progress – but not enough?

Obki: Cop26 was great to be a part of and engage with kids at, showing them that the future can contain small changes and that these can make big differences - in a fun and entertaining way with family and friends. WE all need to make changes to make a difference and our leaders to lead.

PPP: What about methane and livestock farming?

Obki: Methane has been discussed at Cop26. It’s about us all thinking more about what we eat and eating plant based and more local produce. I love the salads my friend the Orb makes me however it does have its consequences, if you know what I mean…. ahhhh.

PPP: Hope for the kids?

Obki: There is so much hope for kids and showing them what we can all do to make a difference in everyday life for the environment.

PPP: We’ve just got to ask... what’s your favourite food?

Obki: Pizza with no Palm oil.

PPP: Tips for anyone doing Veganuary in 2022?

Obki: Shop local!