Show Your Stripes: Visualising the Impact of Climate Change
Introduction to Show Your Stripes
Climate change is a pressing global issue that affects every corner of our planet. As temperatures continue to rise, it is crucial to find innovative ways to raise awareness and start conversations about this critical topic. One such initiative is Show Your Stripes, an eye-catching visual representation of global warming created by Professor Ed Hawkins at the University of Reading in 2018.
Well, it’s got us talking today, on Show Your Stripes day and that’s why we’ve written this blog – to get you talking to your colleagues/friends/family! Climate change not only has an affect on physical health, but it is also proving to have a negative influence on mental health as well with eco-anxiety on the rise.
What are the Climate Stripes?
The climate stripes, are a series of vertical coloured bars that visually depict the progressive heating of our planet. Each stripe represents the average temperature for a single year relative to the average temperature over the entire period. Cooler-than-average years are represented by shades of blue, while hotter-than-average years are depicted in red. By using stripes, the overall trend of global temperature rise over nearly two centuries can easily be understood in a simple yet powerful graphic.
Professor Ed Hawkins (University of Reading) https://showyourstripes.info/
With just a glance, anyone can understand the changing climate patterns. The stark band of deep red stripes on the right-hand side of the graphic signifies the rapid heating of our planet in recent decades. This visual representation removes the need for words, numbers, and graphs, making it accessible to everyone. It serves as a tool to initiate conversations about climate change and prompt action on a global scale.
Show Your Stripes day is an annual event that aims to raise awareness of climate change and the need for urgent action. On this day, individuals, organisations are encouraged to showcase their support for climate action by incorporating the climate stripes in their attire, social media posts, and various other creative ways.
Show Your Stripes at Organisational Level
Addressing climate change is not solely the responsibility of individuals; companies play a crucial role in shaping the future of our planet. By actively participating in Show Your Stripes day organisations can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and inspire others to follow suit. Here are some steps that companies can take:
- Organise Awareness Programs and Workshops Educate about the impact of climate change and the importance of taking action and empower individuals to play an active role in combating climate change.
- Implement and Promote Sustainable Policies and Practices Things like: reducing carbon emissions, implementing energy-efficient technologies, promoting recycling and waste reduction, and supporting renewable energy sources.
- Collaborate with Environmental Organisations Support and collaborate with non-profits and NGOs focused on climate action, supporting initiatives that address climate change, such as tree planting campaigns, renewable energy projects, and sustainability research.
- Engage Employees and Customers Organise volunteering activities, sponsor climate awareness events, and offer incentives for sustainable choices – promoting a sense of shared responsibility and creating a positive impact on a larger scale.
The climate stripes visual representation has become a powerful tool in the fight against climate change. By using simple yet impactful visuals, the attention of millions worldwide has successfully been captured, promoting conversations, and inspiring action. As individuals and companies join forces to address climate change, we can create a sustainable future for generations to come. So, let’s embrace the climate stripes, participate in Show Your Stripes day, and take meaningful steps towards a healthier planet. Together, we can make a difference.
You can view and download the climate stripes here: https://showyourstripes.info/ The website also features biodiversity stripes.
We hope that this has been helpful. For more information, or to learn how our staff surveys, employee engagement surveys, pulse surveys and 360 feedback surveys can offer critical employee insights, contact The Survey Initiative.