The Visual Life of Climate Change

Saffron O’Neill (University of Exeter)

$51.95

Paperback

Forthcoming
Pre-Order now

QTY:

English

Bristol University Press
08 December 2025

Communication studies; Cultural studies; Media studies; Global warming; Social impact of environmental issues

Available open access digitally under CC-BY-NC-ND licence.

Images can play a key role in communication – but climate change imagery can be formulaic and narrow in perspective. Going beyond polar bears and wildfires, this book is a manifesto for opening up the visual discourse on climate.

Rather than portraying scenarios that can be remote from many people's lives, Saffron O'Neill shows how images can be powerful tools to engage viewers and enable them to connect different issues together. With engaging case studies and practical advice throughout, the book shows how visuals can represent climate change in a more ethical manner on social and traditional media platforms.

By: Saffron O’Neill (University of Exeter)
Imprint: Bristol University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm,
ISBN: 9781529250022
ISBN 10: 1529250021
Pages: 174
Publication Date: 08 December 2025
Audience: Professional and scholarly , General/trade , Undergraduate , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Foreword Preface 1. Introduction: ‘Just tell me, what’s the best climate image? 2. Adaptation: Heatwaves and Small Islands 3. Impacts: Polar bears 4. Energy: Wind turbines and smokestacks 5. Science: Climate stripes and burning embers 6. People: Politicians and protestors 7. Conclusion: Beyond visual metonyms

Saffron O’Neill is Professor in Geography at the University of Exeter.

Reviews for The Visual Life of Climate Change

'In this accessible and engaging book, Saffron O’Neill clearly demonstrates the power of images to frame debates about the climate crisis. Her analysis is essential reading for anyone interested in images, crises and their relation.' Gillian Rose, University of Oxford 'This is essential reading for journalists, activists, scientists, communications people – in fact everyone involved in trying to raise awareness of climate change and drive progress towards solutions. All too often the potential power of imagery is forgotten or taken for granted. This book explains why that needs to change and what a difference it would make to have pictures at the heart of all we do.' David Shukman, London School of Economics and former BBC News Science Editor