The story of climate change is complex and often overwhelming, but sometimes a graphic can be the perfect tool to break it down and convey the message more effectively. As someone who has created or edited nearly 350 graphics for Inside Climate News this year, I’ve seen firsthand how visuals can make all the difference.
At the American Chemical Society, data on carbon dioxide levels is considered a powerful symbol of human impact on the environment. The Keeling Curve shows how carbon emissions have been rising since the 1950s, with most of that increase coming from burning fossil fuels. Despite decades of warnings, many countries continue to subsidize these fuels.
However, there are hopeful signs. In the United States and Europe, CO2 emissions from fossil fuels have decreased in recent years. Developing countries are also making progress, but international shipping and aviation emissions remain a concern.
One area where climate change is having a significant impact is the Arctic. Decarbonizing electricity is easier than some other sources of pollution, such as airplanes and farming. However, utilities often prefer to switch from coal to gas instead of investing in renewable energy.
On a more positive note, batteries for green energy are becoming increasingly affordable. This trend has implications for the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Inside Climate News published several graphics this year that stood out for their clarity and impact. One notable example is the locator map created by reporter Lee Hedgepeth, which provided a detailed overview of the Oak Grove Mine in Alabama. The graphic was part of an investigative series on fracking, and it showed how many residents were unaware of the mines beneath their homes.
Another notable graphic was created for a story on dredging in Mobile Bay, Alabama. The visual explained complex information about the dredging process and its environmental implications.
The power of graphics lies not only in their ability to convey complex information but also in their potential to inspire action. At Inside Climate News, we believe that good journalism can drive change and hold polluters accountable. We strive to provide accurate and unbiased reporting on climate and environmental issues, and we rely on the support of readers like you to continue our work.
If you value our reporting and want to help us reach more readers, consider making a donation today. Every contribution makes a difference in our mission to tell the story of climate change and its impact on our planet.
Source: https://insideclimatenews.org/news/29122024/these-graphics-help-explain-what-climate-change-looked-like-in-2024