Influences of AI Graphic Design on Environmental Communication for Climate Change

In human dimension, environmental communication plays a crucial role in fostering public engagement in climate problems. This research studied the potential of AI graphic design (AIGD) to efficiency in environmental communication. Questionnaire surveys and participant observation with task-based methods were used for primary data, supplemented by documentary analysis on the research articles contributed to environmental issues from interdisciplinary approaches for climate communication. An accidental-selective sampling was applied for 402 students at Huangshan University as the representatives of Chinese youth sharing the idea towards the significance of environmental communication and the related AI visual effects. A task-based method on AIGD, with the evaluation criteria of normative, innovative, aesthetic, and effect for environmental communication was arranged for the students attending the AIGD course during the school year 2024. This method offered insights into the practical application of AIGD for environmental communication in a real-world setting. Prominent findings are that the environmental communication research have been increasing with more realizing the how-to of information dissemination and environmental education, Chinese youth tend to positively react with visual communication in environmental issues, and that AIGD has a positive impact on environmental communication. AIGD has a strong correlation to environmental communication pertinent to the dimensions of verify, inform, educate, and warning as a so-called VIEW model. The inform dimension represents the strongest relationship with every AIGD evaluation criterion. The core elements of environmental communication are the scientific and authenticity of climate information while the comprehensibility and memorability of information need to be optimized. AI visual communication has achieved some results in case of not over - rely on AI. To maximize environmental communication, it is essential to prioritize clear and educational content while also considering visual appeal. The youth’s enthusiasm and creativity in environmental protection and actionable engagement in climate change must be mobilized in continuity.