Ribbon-Cutting the Flood Barrier

A single-panel editorial cartoon at a glossy waterfront ribbon-cutting. In the foreground, a line of executives, politicians, and PR staff in spotless hard hats and safety vests grin toward a bank of cameras as oversized ceremonial scissors slice a ribbon stretched across a newly built flood barrier. The wall is plastered with giant oil-company sponsor logos, leaf-patterned 'Net Zero Partnership' branding, and cheerful green slogans about resilience. Just behind the dignitaries, a convoy of black chauffeured SUVs sits idling nose-to-tail, tailpipes visibly puffing exhaust that drifts into the ceremony like a gray fog. The key irony: even as the ribbon is cut, seawater is already sloshing over the promenade and pooling around their polished dress shoes, with one aide discreetly lifting a pant leg while still applauding. Everyone maintains the photo-op smile, pretending the encroaching water is part of the celebration.