Pantone has announced their color of the year for 2019: PANTONE 16-1546, or to use the common name, Living Coral. Pantone describes the color as lighthearted, optimistic, and playful. People on social media reacted to the news with scorn, accusing Pantone of downplaying the environmental disaster that is destroying coral around the world, and using the color and name to sell stuff. Brian Kahn at Earther says it's time to calm down and celebrate Pantone's intent.
Here was a chance to talk about one of the most beautiful organisms found on Earth that is also among the most profoundly impacted on climate change. Pantone itself notes this, if only obliquely, by pointing out that living coral is becoming “unfortunately more elusive.” And in statement to Earther, the company said “[w]e were inspired by the natural, colorful diversity of our oceans, and while Pantone is not an environmental organization, we are aware of the environmental concerns surrounding the dire state of coral reefs and marine life.”
Read both sides of the argument over Pantone's choice at Earther.
