288 climate change topics

We are working with Professor Sylvia Knight from the Royal Meteorological Society (RMetS) to design an interactive infographic that helps curriculum developers and others visualise the breadth of climate change and the relationship between around 300 key concepts and terms associated with it. 

The relationships between these issues are complex and interconnected, and the RMetS wants to help policy makers, teachers and the public better comprehend the challenges and barriers to understanding them.

Our goal is to unravel the intricate connections between these issues, shedding light on the complexities of climate action.

Let’s start with the term action, which serves as the primary catalyst for change. Action, in this context, depends on normative feedback, reflecting social influences based on expectations and values. This relationship leads us to the concept of society where communities influence and are influenced by actions, policies and norms. At the heart of society are individuals, whose actions are shaped by factors like scepticism or indifference. The collective actions of individuals drive societal change, representing a transformation in norms, values and behaviours. Importantly, this change can yield co-benefits extending beyond climate stability and delivering broader social and ecological benefits. These concepts are all rooted in the overarching goal of sustainability, aiming to improve well-being for current and future generations.

However, much of society and industry is bogged down in greenwashing where claims of responsibility don’t align with actions. To achieve meaningful change, we must identify solutions including innovations and guidelines that promote positive action while discouraging harmful practices.These solutions are intricately linked to policy encompassing regulations, laws, and taxes that steer societal change. Effective policies and actions depend on individuals, organisations, and governments taking responsibility for the future. The success of our collective efforts hinges on effective communication compelling the world to recognise the necessity for change. Additionally, we must acknowledge and engage with barriers to action spanning cultural, social, political, economic, technical and legal obstacles.

These concepts represent just one interconnected web of issues. We are excited to collaborate with the Royal Meteorological Society to bring many more of them to life.

If you’re interested in transforming the impact of environmental knowledge through design, we’d love to hear from you.