Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-2760
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-2760
11 Dec 2023
 | 11 Dec 2023

Cautionary Remarks on the Planetary Boundary Visualisation

Miguel D. Mahecha and Guido Kraemer

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. Firstly, the radial bar plot leads to a quadratic scaling of the effect sizes. Secondly, the colour gradations denoting the risk of each boundary transgression use complex non-linear patterns, which complicates interpretation. Thirdly, 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, aiming to address these concerns.

Publisher's note: Copernicus Publications remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims made in the text, published maps, institutional affiliations, or any other geographical representation in this preprint. The responsibility to include appropriate place names lies with the authors.

Journal article(s) based on this preprint

26 Aug 2024
| Highlight paper
Cautionary remarks on the planetary boundary visualisation
Miguel D. Mahecha, Guido Kraemer, and Fabio Crameri
Earth Syst. Dynam., 15, 1153–1159, https://doi.org/10.5194/esd-15-1153-2024,https://doi.org/10.5194/esd-15-1153-2024, 2024
Short summary Chief editor
Miguel D. Mahecha and Guido Kraemer

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2023-2760', Anonymous Referee #1, 29 Jan 2024
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Miguel Mahecha, 14 Apr 2024
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2023-2760', Fabio Crameri, 22 Mar 2024
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Miguel Mahecha, 14 Apr 2024
  • EC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2023-2760', Axel Kleidon, 03 May 2024

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2023-2760', Anonymous Referee #1, 29 Jan 2024
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Miguel Mahecha, 14 Apr 2024
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2023-2760', Fabio Crameri, 22 Mar 2024
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Miguel Mahecha, 14 Apr 2024
  • EC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2023-2760', Axel Kleidon, 03 May 2024

Peer review completion

AR: Author's response | RR: Referee report | ED: Editor decision | EF: Editorial file upload
ED: Reconsider after major revisions (03 May 2024) by Axel Kleidon
AR by Miguel Mahecha on behalf of the Authors (09 May 2024)  Author's response   Author's tracked changes   Manuscript 
ED: Referee Nomination & Report Request started (22 May 2024) by Axel Kleidon
RR by Axel Kleidon (05 Jul 2024)
ED: Publish as is (17 Jul 2024) by Axel Kleidon
AR by Miguel Mahecha on behalf of the Authors (23 Jul 2024)

Journal article(s) based on this preprint

26 Aug 2024
| Highlight paper
Cautionary remarks on the planetary boundary visualisation
Miguel D. Mahecha, Guido Kraemer, and Fabio Crameri
Earth Syst. Dynam., 15, 1153–1159, https://doi.org/10.5194/esd-15-1153-2024,https://doi.org/10.5194/esd-15-1153-2024, 2024
Short summary Chief editor
Miguel D. Mahecha and Guido Kraemer

Model code and software

PlanetaryBoundaryVisuals Miguel D. Mahecha and Guido Kraemer https://github.com/mafla/PlanetaryBoundaryVisuals

Miguel D. Mahecha and Guido Kraemer

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Latest update: 01 Sep 2024
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The requested preprint has a corresponding peer-reviewed final revised paper. You are encouraged to refer to the final revised version.

This paper makes an important criticism about the visualisation of the planetary boundary concept. Hopefully, future publications will take up on the suggestions being made in this paper to communicate the concept more objectively in a scientific manner.
Short summary
Our paper examines the influential visual representation of the planetary boundary concept, a widely discussed concept for understanding the limits of the Earth to sustain human societies. We identify three aspects that can lead to misleading interpretations: 1) exaggeration of effect size, 2) complex colour patterns, and 3) combined effects that could potentially overstate certain risks. We suggest revising these visual elements to improve accuracy in communicating this important concept.