Next in Data Visualization | Blacki Migliozzi || Radcliffe Institute | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

New York Times graphics editor, Blacki Migliozzi, discusses the challenges and approaches of visual storytelling using climate data.

Transcript

• I'm going to introduce the gentleman standing next to me, while he's standing next to me, so you'll know what he looks like. So this is Blacki Migliozzi, who's coming to us from the New York Times, where he's a graphics editor and you've probably seen a good deal of his work. He, before that, worked for Bloomberg where you also perhaps saw much o... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ Climate data is often perceived as abstract and challenging to comprehend, requiring innovative approaches in visual storytelling to make it accessible to a wider audience.
• 🛀 Personalizing climate data by showing its impact on specific locations and individuals can enhance understanding and engagement.
• 🧑‍🏭 Fact-checking and maintaining accuracy in climate graphics can be challenging due to the complexity and uncertainties in climate data.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Migliozzi approach visualizing the link between greenhouse gases and observed temperature rise?

Migliozzi and his colleague at Bloomberg created a visual graphic showing the observed temperature and the correlation with natural factors and anthropogenic factors. The data highlighted that greenhouse gases have the strongest correlation with temperature rise.

Q: How did Migliozzi personalize climate data for readers?

Migliozzi developed an interactive tool that allows readers to input their hometown and birth year to see the projected increase in hot days. This personalized approach aims to make climate change more relatable and less abstract for readers.

Q: What challenges does Migliozzi mention in terms of fact-checking climate data?

Migliozzi highlights the complexities of fact-checking climate data, especially when dealing with large datasets and uncertainties. He mentions the need for collaboration with climate scientists and the challenges of ensuring accuracy in interactive graphics.

Q: How does Migliozzi strike a balance between aesthetics and accuracy in climate graphics?

Migliozzi acknowledges the trade-offs involved in visual storytelling. While aesthetics and engagement are important, he strives to stay grounded in the data and make informed decisions that best communicate the climate message.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Migliozzi showcases various climate graphics he has worked on throughout his career, highlighting the rising temperatures and the impact of human activities on climate change.

• He emphasizes the importance of making climate data more accessible and engaging to the general audience, including using interactive tools and personalization.

• The challenges of fact-checking, dealing with messy data, and balancing aesthetics with accuracy are discussed.