Organizations and Individuals in Collaboration
Monash University - Richard Reina- Julia Braga Morais (Earthcare / Little Penguins) & Adam Yaney-Keller (Phillip Island Nature Parks / Fur Seals)
Beach Patrol Clean Up - St. Kilda Branch 3207
Primary Research
Quotes from Interview with Melbourne Marine Biologist, Dr. Richard Reina
"So if you think about the input of the Yarra River, you know, smaller riverways that enter the bay, that have passed through fairly densely populated areas, they pick up a lot of contaminants. All different kinds from from macro plastics, to organic pollutants, to pharmaceuticals, and so on - that ultimately, much of it, gets washed into the bay."
"And whilst an individual recreational fishery doesn't take that much, there are 1000s of boats out there every day, year round, and obviously big peaks on weekends and in summer and so on. And so the cumulative effect is quite significant, especially on some of the biggest species. The sharks and rays that are being accidentally caught, injured or killed is quite a significant problem. And I've done work with Fisheries Victoria over the last few years to produce guides for fishers. We set up a website with information on how to prepare if you're going fishing, what to do if you accidentally catch a shark or ray, and how to release it safely with less risk of injury to yourself and the animal - so that their survival outcome was better. Even so, you know there's a lot of fishing happening. And it slowly has a cumulative effect.
"I remember having a conversation with a journalist from some radio station. I can't remember where, what it was. And I knew immediately that they weren't going to be interested, first of all, because she had no idea about what it was we did. She hadn't read anything- not even the the media release. And all she wanted to know was the very simplistic answers. 'So what's going to happen' or 'what should we do?' And I can understand why she asked that question. But when I sort of say, 'Well, that depends, and it's complicated.' It's like, okay, we're no longer interested, because we don't want stuff that's difficult to explain.We want. 'This is bad. Don't eat this.' Black and white answers. But that rarely happens. That's an unfortunate reason why credibility of science sometimes suffers."
"I'm sure you will have heard at times, a report that says, 'such and such discovery has changed everything we know about such and such.' Well, that's bullshit. Of course, it hasn't. It's just the way it's been presented as in the past. It's like this 'awe, it's completely different now.' It's not. It's subtly over time, and your knowledge gets better and better and better."
"One of the predictions like with Hurricane Sandy, and others that were in the US, was that they can say that the frequency of highly intense storms will increase. And there's so much data over the last century that shows that. But that doesn't mean that those storms are easier to predict. And it doesn't mean there won't be any more little storms, because there are. But the extremes get bigger."
Quotes from Brazilian/Portuguese PhD student and veterinarian, Julia Morais
“When we care for the environment, we care for all. We care for our home.”
"My brother came to visit me from Brazil and that was the first thing he noticed when he came to my office (referring to the graffiti by the gate entrance). Not the beautiful view I have of the bay, but the words written by the gate entrance to my office. "Now Your Fucked." Every time I go to the office it's there...I never had noticed it before."
I prefer working with penguins because they don't require anesthetics - they aren’t scared enough to hurt themselves and they won’t really hurt you. They are tough, and although they may bite, they aren’t dangerous."
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Engineers and scientists worldwide analyze global wave power trends over three decades. They observed a significant increase in wave height, energy, and consistency – notably 2.6 times larger than the global average. This rise correlates with oceanic warming, particularly evident in the Southern Sea. These findings highlight the importance of understanding wave power's impact on marine life, coastal erosion, communities, and its link to climate change. This research aligns with my focus on marine conservation and climate change mitigation, recognizing waves as both captivating and indicative of environmental shifts. While not directly related to photography, this study offers valuable context to images of monumental waves in the 21st century.
Liu, J., Li, R., Li, S., Meucci, A. and Young, I.R., 2024, ‘Increasing wave power due to global climate change and intensification of Antarctic Oscillation’, Applied Energy, vol. 358, pp.122572–122572, viewed 25 March 2024, <doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2023.122572>.
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This study used a meta-analysis to analyze changes in coral reef taxa calcification and bioerosion rates due to climate change. It looked at 183 reefs, and predicted these rates globally for decades to come. It found an alarmingly high percentage of reefs facing bleaching and erosion within the next 75 years alone if things continue as they are.
Cornwall, C.E. et al. (2021) ‘Global declines in coral reef calcium carbonate production under ocean acidification and warming’, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 118(21), p. e2015265118. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2015265118.
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Since the beginning of the industrial revolution, humans have burned enormous quantities of coal, oil, and natural gas. The result has led to a steady state of our planet warming and changes in temperature and pH levels. This critically impacts the physical, chemical, and biological nature of these ecosystems. The use of fertilizers also produces widespread low oxygen conditions around the coast, which threatens the open ocean.
These changing elemental cycles diminish our coral reefs, fisheries, and marine ecosystems, which are vital to life on Earth. The study points to the need for action, such as encouraging policymakers to choose alternative means, to take place to resolve this pattern and create a more sustainable future for life on Earth.
Jansen, E. et al. (2023) ‘Climate change and the sea: a major disruption in steady state and the master variables’, ACS Environmental Au, 3(4), pp. 195–208. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1021/acsenvironau.2c00061.
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This report explores the pollution issues in the rivers, wetlands, and estuaries of western Melbourne. It explores the effects urbanisation has on these bodies of water as their close proximity leaves them at risk with runoff from chemicals used in gardening and by industries. It explains the importance of these ecosystems as habitats for the breeding of fish, which are harmed by pollutants such as heavy metals, petroleum hydrocarbons and pesticides. Furthermore, these pollutants lead to toxic water conditions as harmful algal blooms emerge. The paper goes on to state that Melbourne Water, EPA Victoria and councils should form strategies that amend the waters' conditions by providing better maintenance of groundwater, limiting litter, influx of faecal pollution, and preventing illegal dumping – as these are some of the major problems for these urban waterways.
Tewman, M. (2019) ‘Pollution in Melbourne’s western streams; current condition, future threats and opportunities’, RMIT University AQUEST School of Science [Preprint], (Technical Report No:8).
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This article pairs with the one above.
Strain, E.M.A. et al. (2022) ‘Editorial: marine pollution - emerging issues and challenges’, Frontiers in Marine Science, 9, p. 918984. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2022.918984.
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Other research articles dealing with microplastics found in the depths of the Arctic, Antarctica and the Mariana Trench.
As well as a continuation on the impacts rising CO2 levels has on our planet.
Secondary Research
This book was created by the organization EarthCare. For the last 35 years this organization has cared for, researched and protected the Little Penguins in St. Kilda. This group of volunteers is dedicated to improving the natural environment of the City of Port Phillip and the flora and fauna within it.
This book shares the methods they use to collect data and facts about the colony in St. Kilda.
Although the book (found easily accessible online through the Connected to Port Phillip website) is outdated, it still covers some useful tactic performed by Julia Morais in her efforts to monitor the penguins.
The online article, published in 2021, speaks about the African penguins who live on the beaches of Simon’s Town in South Africa. The penguins are a prominent feature on the beaches, where their impact is attracting tourists and raising awareness over conservation. Once endangered, these species now sustain due to interventions being put in place to close off nearby commercial fisheries to boost their food supply, and mark protected areas. However, challenges still persist, such as climate change, oil spills, marine pollution, habitat destruction, and industrial fishing. Along with this comes predation by seals, caracals, leopards, mongoose, and cats and dogs. If it wasn't for the organization SANCCOB, these penguins would likely be extinct by now due to the lack of food.
"I think we spent a lot of the time feeling angry. On the other hand, we thought, if we could tell a story that people connected with, then maybe we could make an impact, maybe we could make people behave better. That’s always the hope.” This was done through the Netflix documentary, Penguin Town.
The article highlights the balance between tourism and conservation, to protect the penguins while also supporting the local economy through eco-tourism. A similar concept to what is taking place in St. Kilda with the new viewing platform for them.
The Age, The Guardian and Melbourne 9News have all posted between 2016 to 2024 on incidents of people harming the penguins here in St. Kilda. This is either individual attacks, such as kicking penguins into the tram tracks, throwing them into a wall, and taking the penguin as a souvenir or tourist attacks, such as getting in the penguins way of reaching their nests, and using flash photography that harms their sensitive eyes.
This new pier being built in St. Kilda will help keep the crowds out of the penguins' nests, however that is not the initial reason for being built. The pier was due for renovations and with it came the idea of a penguin viewing platform. EarthCare took a survey where they asked the community their opinion on viewing St Kilda penguins regarding the idea of making it a ticketed event. It was split nearly in half between those who do not want to make the penguins a commercial entity for paying in fear of it turning into a tourist attraction, and the other half content with the idea of paying only if the money went to their research, protection and education. In fact, when asked what profits should be used for 94% of participants wrote "penguin protection and conservation."
Additionally, 77% of the participants wrote they feel this should be locally run and not through Parks Victoria. Comments include:
“It’s really important that this remains out of the hands of Phillip island. These colonies are
different and require a different approach:
different and require a different approach:
“Ticketing should absolutely be run by a local organisation/company or Parks Victoria or even
the traditional owners... Phillip Island has become too big and touristy”
the traditional owners... Phillip Island has become too big and touristy”
“It shouldn't be commercialised - don't want it to become like Phillip Island penguins”
“What a disaster! Turning the local penguins into a commercialization opportunity - let’s hope
it doesn’t become another Phillip Island”
it doesn’t become another Phillip Island”
“I don’t want it to turn into a Phillip Island experience.”
“Don’t turn St Kilda Beach into Phillip Island!”
“It’s not the cost it’s the idea of turning them into a cash cow like Phillip island— leave the
commercial aspects out of it.”
commercial aspects out of it.”
Overall, this idea of who has the say over this colony is shifting and plays a large role in the future of the St. Kilda penguins.
Link for the survey.
Flight Ways: Life and Loss at the Edge of Extinction by Thom van Dooren explores the the ethical, emotional, and ecological aspects of species heading towards extinction. His book covers five birds facing extinction, with one being the species of Little Penguins. He blends philosophy, natural history, and anthropology in his work, and investigates how losing these species also impacts human cultures and ecosystems as we are all interconnected. He encourages a more responsible and compassionate relationship between man and wildlife.
Quotes from the book:
“Once penguins have bred at a site it is unusual for them to shift far from there in subsequent years regardless of how much they are disturbed. . . . Little penguins are extremely robust both mentally and physically, and when confronted with human activities, even if adverse, they are unyielding.” – DR CHRIS CHALLIES
“Places emerge here as storied landscapes: remembered, reinterpreted, and imbued with a changing value and significance through the course of a penguin’s life”– THOM VAN DOOREN
"In this context, while the urban environment clearly poses a range of significant challenges for penguins, it is also important to note that it does offer some advantages, too. Living at close quarters with people brings houses and swimming pools, dogs, lights, and jet skis, but also vocal and organized advocates." – THOM VAN DOOREN
“Places are not at all abstract or interchangeable; rather, they are nested and interwoven with layers of attention and meaning. 4 In this context, a place is more than the “raw” biophysical landscape: in Edward Casey’s (1996) terms, “a place is not a mere patch of ground, a bare stretch of earth, a sedentary set of stones” (26). Rather, “place” must be understood as a material-discursive phenomenon. Denis Byrne, Heather Goodall, and Allison Cadzow (2013) make this point succinctly when they note that “humans make places out of spaces not just by physically altering them but also via the social and mental process of making them meaningful” (26). 5 This understanding of place highlights its “storied” nature: the way in which places are interwoven with and embedded in broader histories and systems of meaning through ongoing, embodied, and inter-subjective practices of “place-making” (Byrne, Goodall, and Cadzow 2013; Casey 1996:2001; Malpas 2001). But it is not only humans who have the capacity to “make” places in this way.” – THOM VAN DOOREN
The book speaks about the resilience of urban little penguins in Manly and St. Kilda, and how these creatures put meaning on place like humans and therefore endure struggles to remain in their home. However, due to living in an urbanized environment, there are people who advocate for their protection. This helps them fair well despite all their challenges.
Psychologists conducted a study on awe and its impact on the mind and body. Dr. Summer Allen defines awe as feeling of being part of something greater than oneself. Research shows that experiencing awe can shift one’s focus away from the self, foster humility and broaden one’s perspective. Nature plays a key role in inducing awe, with images and narratives of nature evoking it, therefore promoting prosocial behavior. Awe enhances interpersonal and environmental connections, alters perception of time, and encourages altruism. While not providing specific photography techniques, this study highlights nature imagery's power to evoke awe. Thus, informing my methods to use to use awe-inspiring marine photography to marine encourage conservation advocacy.
Allen, S 2018, ‘The Science of Awe’, Greater Good Science Center, John Templeton Foundation, viewed 25 March 2024, <https://ggsc.berkeley.edu/images/uploads/GGSC-JTF_White_Paper-Awe_FINAL.pdf>.
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Conohar Scott, a lecturer in photographic theory at the University of Lincoln, highlights photography's potency in driving environmental activism. He cites instances like the iconic image of Thích Quảng Đức's self-immolation, catalyzing global anti-war sentiment. Scott states that environmental activism would require a societal change on a global scale. Despite years of effort, environmental activism in photography remains relatively unrecognized historically, underscoring its significance. Scott explains how images influence perception, foster empathy, and educate the viewer–whether its new work or archival images. Scott's work aids my own by providing references to past environmental photographer and artists, and noting the impact framing has in engaging viewers effectively.
Scott, C 2022, Photography and Environmental Activism: Visualising the Struggle Against Industrial Pollution, 1st edn., Routledge, Abingdon, Oxon, Routledge, New York, NY, ProQuest Ebook Central, pp. 9-13, viewed 25 March 2024, doi:10.4324/9781003086314.
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In the U.S., the topic of climate change has led to a significant political divide, with skepticism and disengagement posing a major issue. Climate changes has become a partisan issue – where climate change believers are deemed democratic, while those who deem it a natural process are republican.
Gabrielle Wong-Parodi & Irina Feygina's surveyed members of the democrat and the republican party to find what solutions there are for connecting with the emotions and ideologies of members of these divided parties. The participants were asked to read narratives about climate change that were designed to elicit emotional reactions- influencing their attitudes, intentions and behavior.
The research found that both negative and positive emotional responses, across both factual and emotionally driven narratives. The conservatives had a stronger reaction to the negative content, than did the democrats. For example, when moving away from a news-based narrative (like a clip on the harmful impacts that come from living near a shale gas development) as the medium to one that was more engaging (like a crime series where investigators linked disease and death to the community's water supply) increased the likelihood of an emotional response. In turn, it increased their willingness to act as they remarked feeling greater personal vulnerability and increased risk perceptions and policy preferences for stricter regulation of environmental hazards. Positive emotions showed to foster support, a greater sense of proximity, and interest in adaptation, while negative emotions drive apprehension, engagement, and a willingness to learn more – especially among conservatives. It found that republicans, though resistant to acknowledging the problem, are more willing to take action and support policies when they are confronted with the impacts of environmental change. By relating the problem, in an engaging way, to those who are more skeptical, results for change can occur.
Wong-Parodi, G. and Feygina, I. (2021) ‘Engaging people on climate change: the role of emotional responses’, Environmental Communication, 15(5), pp. 571–593. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/17524032.2020.1871051.
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In 2017, a paper was published on man made pollutants found in the Mariana Trench – the deepest known point on Earth’s surface (Jamieson et al 2021, p.3). It received extensive media coverage and mix reactions, with some relieved that the contamination was far from human reach. This revelation led researchers to question why some people do not care about the deep sea. They found that how sound and language framed an image played a large role in its influence. They found that using common language and avoiding sensationalism helps prevent depicting the deep sea as alien, unrelatable, ominous, and mysterious (Jamieson et al. 2021, p.1). For example, the study recalls a viral image of a blobfish that the National Science and Engineering Competition voted the “World’s Ugliest Animal” 2012 (Jamieson et al 2021, p.39-40). The image was of a dead, preserved specimen that was de-scaled and deteriorating from time and the force of gravity. Given its new reputation, this species became the image behind the evil, alien-like character in the film Star Wars: The Force Awakens (Jamieson et al 2021, p.13).
Another example is from the documentary, “Blue Planet II” titled The Deep. Here, phrases such as “an unforgiving world, “a sea of eternal gloom,” and “we know more about the surface of Mars…” were all used to describe the deep sea – further distancing people and making them feel it is not a part of our world (Jamieson et al 2021, p.17). The deep sea is described to fit preconceived ideas and feelings verses on scientific evidence (Jamieson et al 2021, p.18-19). Fear appeals can lead to denial as a psychological response to control their inner fear (Brown 2018, p.29). The framing of an image and its context play crucial roles in how viewers perceive the information.
Jamieson, A.J. et al. (2021) ‘Fear and loathing of the deep ocean: why don’t people care about the deep sea?’, ICES Journal of Marine Science. Edited by H. Browman, 78(3), pp. 797–809. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsaa234.
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Familiarity with a subject can strengthens the bond between the visual and the viewer (Dankel, Fox & Marshall 2021, p.6-8). This lead to another form of engagement – ocean literacy. Ocean literacy is defined as “an understanding of the ocean׳s influence on us—and our influence on the ocean” which, according to recent studies is “fundamental to living and acting sustainably” (Dankel, Fox & Marshall 2021, p.1). Surfers, due to their exposure to the ocean, often develop a strong emotional connection and willingness to engage in conservation efforts.
In this study, 249 surfers were surveyed, using qualitative and quantitative data, to assess their ocean awareness using the Ocean Literacy Principle:
1.The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems
2.The ocean is a major influence on weather and climate
3. The ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected
4. The ocean is largely unexplored
5. The ocean made the Earth habitable
6. The ocean and life in the ocean shape the features of Earth
7. The Earth has one big ocean with many
Through the study, they found a strong link. 72% of the surfers became aware of plastic pollution through surfing, and over 95% were willing to join beach cleanups (Dankel, Fox & Marshall 2021, p.6).
"I have picked out a few pieces of plastic from the ocean when I have been surfing and considering how much trash we collect on beach cleans, I think ocean ecosystems are already being damaged by microplastics and trash.”
Surfers learned 3 of the 5 key principles through the sport:
- the ocean is a major influence on the weather and climate;
- the ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems;
- the ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected.
This research offers new insight into opportunities for encouraging ocean sustainability incorporating ocean activity with coastal community engagement.
Dankel, D.J., Fox, N. and Marshall, J. (2021) ‘Ocean literacy and surfing: understanding how interactions in coastal ecosystems inform blue space user’s awareness of the ocean’, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(11), p. 5819. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18115819.
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This study reveals that images should include a human interaction for connection, such as climate scientists or indigenous people surveying the natural world. Those that have a human side and a positive outcome have more of an impact on audiences (Brown 2018, p.62). It recommends including a solution-based element and innovative stories to avoid disengagement, as well as captions explaining the importance behind the scenes (Brown 2018, p.41). Positive imagery, such as a recovering coral reefs on the cover of 2023 Time Magazine, can promote hope and encourage action to support the world we aspire to live in (Brown 2018, p.41).
Conservation photographers often juxtaposed beauty with destruction to show the harm done and the beauty left to protect –creating an emotional connection that drives action (Brown 2018, p.62). The beauty shot is the attention grabber for their viewers that creates an emotional connection. Whereas the destruction image is the hardcore impact shot that tells a different angle to the story and creates awareness (Brown 2018, p. 93; 133). Fear appeals, however, can lead to denial as a psychological response to control their inner fear (Brown 2018, p.29).
Photography can be categorized into six themes for enhancing engagement: descriptive, explanatory, interpretive, ethically, aesthetically evaluative, aesthetically evaluative, and theoretical (Brown 2018, p.24-25). (1)Descriptive images are accurate and objective pieces of information – like x-rays. (2)Explanatory images are visual attempts to explain scientific questions – like blurred motion to reflect speed. (3)Interpretive are poetic and metaphoric attempts to deliver information from a particular perspective – like a model being directed. (4)Ethically Evaluative have a moral decision to convey to right a wrong or describe and criticize society– either politically or socially. (5)Aesthetically Evaluative portrays the subject as beautiful and wonder – like the work of Ansel Adams. This can also be used to show something as aesthetically displeasing. Lastly, (6)theoretical photographs are about art – like illusions. Conservation photography must fit into these categories to be effective.
Brown, A.E. (2018) Conservation communication and photography: conversations with marine conservation photographers. Thesis. Available at: https://digital.lib.washington.edu:443/researchworks/handle/1773/42435 (Accessed: 21 May 2024).
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This essay explores photography and future environments in the context of the Anthropocene. It contradicts what it considers to be the more common approach by photographers when speaking about future environments, where most use human extinction as the main motive. It goes on to state that alternatives methods for encouraging engagement should come from "science fiction" approaches that "imagine and construct alternative future environments." The essay questions role as a mediator and a need to evaluate itself as a tool to address the Anthropocene challenges, while creating new ways of harmonizing with the environment.
The paper explores the evolution of conservation imagery from Greenpeace’s 1997 campaign on the warming planet to The Telegraph and WWF’s 2017 April Fool’s /fake news photograph. In the latter example, World Wildlife Fund's (WWF) 2017 April Fools prank, published a fictional news photo in The Daily Telegraph showing a polar bear in Scotland. The article went viral, sparking widespread discussion on climate change (Kember 2017, p.350). The hoax brought the discussion and issue to the Scots doorstep, making it relevant on a local level.
Creating stories that are attention grabbing, thought provoking and informative (even if initially ambiguous) works in creating engagement.
Kember, S. (2017) ‘After the Anthropocene: the photographic for earthly survival?’, Digital Creativity, 28(4), pp. 348–353. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/14626268.2017.1380048.
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The document is about visual communications role in increasing awareness of climate change, and influencing behavior and policies. It discusses the need for innovative ways of communicating. One approach it used as an effective method was the 2011 Local Climate Change Visioning Project in British Columbia. Landscape architects created 3D visuals showing the community’s current state, a future with low-carbon initiatives, and a future with unchecked climate change. These visuals effectively raised awareness, increased urgency, and encouraged action among residents (Burch 2008, p.1). A participant noted that visuals made the impact of climate change more relatable than statistics, stating, “‘Numbers may not stay with me, but visuals will…I learned how climate change could affect my community in a very graphic way’ that ‘hit home’" (Burch 2008, p.14). Comments on the project showed that most participants focused on personal actions like reducing car use, using public transport, upgrading household energy efficiency, and supporting climate change policies at a local scale.
Once again, finding new and relatable visuals to provoke an emotional connection.
Burch, S. et al. (2008) ‘Can Visualisation Save the World? - Lessons for Landscape Architects from Visualizing Local Climate Change’, Conference Proceedings, Digital Design in Landscape Architecture, 9th International Conf. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/255570495_Can_Visualisation_Save_the_World_-_Lessons_for_Landscape_Architects_from_Visualizing_Local_Climate_Change.
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Forty percent of the world’s population live within 100km of coastal regions, a continued rise in sea levels could have devastating economic and social consequences, emphasizing the need for change and the need for communication.
Visual communication is an underdeveloped research area, that this paper dives into. This study deploys an image analysis on how meaning is framed through the EIS’s (Extreme Ice Survey) photographs and time-lapse videos. Along with the photographs are their accompanying written captions that highlight the contradictory frames of beauty and uncertainty. A metaphor analysis was also applied t, given the abstract view on climate change, to open more perspectives and more understandings.
To communicate about climate change a greater emphasis needs to be geared toward moving away from media representations of climate change where sensationalism, controversy and fear induced messages prevail and dissuade. Another issue comes from distant framing. Tonn et al (2006) have shown how individuals feel more pessimistic about the long term, as they struggled to comprehend their life beyond 15-20 years. Lorenzoni and Hulme (2009) found that when people plan out their future with a realistic vision, it only extends to two decades into the future. Communication should combine both scientific knowledge and environmentalism, media framing the issue as important, communication come through as visually and symbolically engaging, along with a legitimate institutional sponsor to back the discussion and economic incentives for the proposed solutions (Schwarz, 2013).
Matthews, J. (2016) ‘“Seeing is believing”: A visual communication approach to Climate Change, through the Extreme Ice Survey’, GRIN Verlag, p. 84. Available at: https://www.grin.com/document/321596?lang=en.
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This paper suggests that a powerful way to enhance cultural communication of climate science is by integrating artistic practice directly into climate change research. By fostering collaboration between visual artists and climate scientists, we can demystify and visually represent the complexities of climate change. This approach can bridge the gap between expert knowledge and public understanding, fostering a deeper connection between climate science and communities through visual language.
To make this possible- a clear understanding of how man is impacting the environment is vital in order to create risk perception. Additionally, a shared cultural glossary of terms as to not disinterest the public. Challenges arise from the overwhelming, multifaceted subject of climate change, leading to polarization and neglect. Therefore, scientific facts alone will not induce change, which is where visuals can help. However, the visual cannot be the traditional look that creates apathy. Instead, it needs to create personal experience.
Art should be brought in from the beginning to accurately convey the complex issues. By networking between climate communicators, museum curators,science philosophers, NGOs, communities, and policymakers a large audience can be reached.
Further developments the paper recommends are:
-Create an online site that maps research geographically, share collaborations, and promotes best practices.
- Develop mentorship programs for underrepresented communities in the Global South.
- Include artists in climate science labs and field research stations.
- Integrate Indigenous knowledge and climate justice into climate awareness efforts.
Kasumovic, M. (2023) ‘Picturing Climate: Steps towards embedding artistic practice within climate change research’, Teaching Beyond the Curriculum. Available at: https://www.academia.edu/117193452/Picturing_Climate_Steps_towards_embedding_artistic_practice_within_climate_change_research (Accessed: 26 May 2024).
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This study looks at the role fear provoking images play in the discussion of climate change. It states that though it is a common practice in the media, there is little research done in its effectiveness in creating public engagement, with some studies saying it is actually counterproductive. This is a concern given that individual behavior changes are critical for reducing GHG emissions in Western nations.
The authors examines this idea using two empirical studies on the role of visual representations of climate change in public engagement. The findings show while it is attention-grabbing, they are ineffective. In contrast, non-threatening images and icons (like the polar bear) that relate to everyday emotions and concerns are more engaging. The research indicates that dramatic, shocking, and fearful climate change representations can highlight the importance of the issue but leave the viewer feeling overwhelmed and helpless from the scale of the problem, and may create barriers like denial. Fear and sensationalism can promote verbal concern but often negatively impact active engagement, due to the visual coming across an impersonal. When used, they should be done so cautiously alongside other representations to avoid causing denial, apathy, and negative associations.
Communication strategies that consider individuals' personal experiences, values, and local environments are more effective, and are less likely to induce feelings of invulnerability compared to distant fear appeals. Through fostering a personal connection to the issue, explaining how this impacts their everyday lives, and showing actionable responses that makes the individual feel they can make a difference, more engagement can occur. Future research should focus on strategies that lead to a deeper personal connection and lifestyle changes to help combat climate change.
O'Neill, Saffron & Day, Sophie. (2009). "Fear Won't Do It": Promoting Positive Engagement With Climate Change Through Visual and Iconic Representations. Science Communication - SCI COMMUN. 30. 355-379. 10.1177/1075547008329201.
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The research explores how empathy with nature, particularly oceans, can be stimulated through future scenarios to build a sustainable relationship with ecosystems. It examines different types of future scenarios (both optimistic and pessimistic) are presented through written accounts and virtual reality, and their impact empathy levels among individuals.These methods increased empathy, particularly with pessimistic scenes, though the effect faded after three months without exposure. Enthusiasm for collective actions, such as voting for climate policies or joining community groups, was also limited. This emphasized the need for constant exposure as a reminder to stay focused on fostering a better future. This could be done by following up over media, community activities, or educational programs.
Other finding were that art and visual media were more persuasive in shifting social norms and values than textual content because of its ability to quickly share complex ideas and create and emotional attachment. Harari (2019) acknowledges the power of visual storytelling, suggesting it can be more influential than academic articles. Bendor (2018) argues that the ability to imagine change is a precursor to pursuing it, and interactive media can enhance this imaginative capacity. The article suggests incorporating visual scenarios in policy-making and education to generate a more proactive society.
Blythe, J. et al. (2021) ‘Fostering ocean empathy through future scenarios’, People and Nature, 3(6), pp. 1284–1296. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1002/pan3.10253.
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Other scholarly articles on the topic of visuals for environmental conservation.
