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.
Share

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
Download

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...
Short summary
Our paper examines the influential visual representation of the planetary boundary concept, a...
Share