This image is from a series by Panos photographer Vlad Sokhin. The entire series is a good example of the climate visuals principles applied to a collection of imagery. Our research highlighted the need to show ‘real people doing real things’. This series personifies the issue of climate change and demonstrates how it has an impact right now on individuals. Our research has shown that this is essential if we want to communicate the nuanced stories that make up the issue of climate change. This in-depth reportage demonstrates how multiple images or media can expand on a single frame to be more effective communications. These are excellent tools that should be embraced by visual communicators.
WHAT IT SHOWS: Children playing at a junkyard in Newtok village.
Newtok is one of many places in Alaska that are under imminent threat from climate change. Permafrost thaw, regular floods and coastal erosion make it dangerous for people of Newtok to remain in their village. They have already started the relocation process to a new village site, called Mertarvik. It is estimated that in the next ten years nearly a 1/3 of the village's area will become uninhabitable due to erosion.