Cautionary remarks on the planetary boundary visualisation

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Miguel D. Mahecha - , Leipzig University, German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle—Jena—Leipzig, Center for Scalable Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (ScaDS.AI) Dresden/Leipzig (Author)
  • Guido Kraemer - , Leipzig University (Author)
  • Fabio Crameri - , Undertone.design, International Space Science Institute (Author)

Abstract

The planetary boundary (PB) concept has captured attention across academia and the public alike. Its unique visual representation has been key to the development of the concept and its dissemination. In this commentary, we outline three areas of concern to facilitate further enhancement in the PB concept's visualisation. First, the radial bar plot leads to a quadratic scaling of the effect sizes. Second, the colour gradations denoting the risk of each boundary transgression use complex non-linear patterns, which complicates interpretation. Third, non-linearly distorted colour scales and their fading make the visual perception for people suffering from colour-vision deficiency even more challenging or impossible. The conjunction of quadratic effect scaling and specific colour coding may unintentionally amplify the perception of high-risk areas. We recommend a careful revision of the visual language employed in PB communication. Addressing these concerns will make the PB visualisation a more accurate base for decision-makers.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1153-1159
Number of pages7
JournalEarth System Dynamics
Volume15
Issue number4
Publication statusPublished - 26 Aug 2024
Peer-reviewedYes

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas