Visuals

This chapter reviews the types, use, production, accessibility and efficacy of data visuals contained in IPCC assessments and special reports, drawing upon available published literature. Visuals of different types are key to the communication of IPCC assessments. They have been subject to academic interest among social and cognitive scientists. Furthermore, wider societal interest in the IPCC has increased, especially since the publication of its Fifth Assessment Report. In response, the IPCC has revisited its approach to communication including visuals, which has resulted in a greater professionalisation of its visualisations — involving information designers and cognitive scientists — and in new forms of co-production between authors and users.