Welcome to another week of Shaken Not Burned! 

We are a podcast, but we have to admit: images can speak more than words. A powerful visual can tell a story, evoke sensations, and even inspire action. And isn’t that an essential tool in communicating about climate and sustainability?

Yet, for one reason or another, we resort to cliches: a polar bear on melting ice, a blue marble image, hands joining together over some greenery. Sure, they are cliches for a reason – but which are the alternatives, and how can they capture the attention of our audience?

In this week’s episode, Felicia interviews Dr. Rebecca Swift, SVP creative at Getty Images, to explore the fascinating world of visual communication. They discuss how iconic visuals shape public perception, the emotional connections brands can create through imagery, and the importance of authenticity and transparency in messaging.

Rebecca talks about how the advent of artificial intelligence risks eroding trust, how humour resonates across all ages, and provides tips on how to create imagery that is honest and free of cliches for corporates.

Imagery depicts reality, while simultaneously shaping our view of the world. For sustainability, this means providing an example of how change can look like, making us believe it will be possible. 

Reading materials:

• Take our Climate Misinformation Survey

• Consumers Still Care About Sustainability and Expect Businesses to Lead

• Getty Images’ Visualizing Sustainability report

• Visual Storytelling for Sustainability Communication. Practice-Based Design Techniques

• Making climate science visual to policymakers

• The visual stories in addressing climate change that a petroleum business tells and lives by

• AI, ethics, and storytelling: Navigating the next era of insights

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