Visualizing climate change in the media: a systematic literature review, challenges, and future research

Abstract Climate change visualizations in the media play a crucial role in conveying information, raising awareness, and motivating action. This study combines systematic and scoping literature review (2005–2024) with content analysis to analyze current research on climate change visualizations of traditional and digital media. The findings show that most existing research concentrates on traditional media, with limited focus on social media and a predominance of studies focused on Western countries. Framing theory emerges as the predominant theoretical framework, especially in qualitative studies. By analyzing and comparing a large corpus of scientific studies, this study identifies predominant topics, methodologies trends, and research gaps, while also highlighting key challenges and implications for future research.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Annals of the International Communication Association
Published
2026-03-28
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1093/anncom/wlag011
Primary Topic
Climate Change Communication and Perception
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Visualizing climate change in the media: a systematic literature review, challenges, and future research

Stefanie Walter, Margret Keuper, Katharina Prasse, Isaac Bravo
Annals of the International Communication Association
Climate Change Communication and Perception
article

Visualizing climate change in the media: a systematic literature review, challenges, and future research

Stefanie Walter, Margret Keuper, Katharina Prasse, Isaac Bravo
article en

Abstract

Abstract Climate change visualizations in the media play a crucial role in conveying information, raising awareness, and motivating action. This study combines systematic and scoping literature review (2005–2024) with content analysis to analyze current research on climate change visualizations of traditional and digital media. The findings show that most existing research concentrates on traditional media, with limited focus on social media and a predominance of studies focused on Western countries. Framing theory emerges as the predominant theoretical framework, especially in qualitative studies. By analyzing and comparing a large corpus of scientific studies, this study identifies predominant topics, methodologies trends, and research gaps, while also highlighting key challenges and implications for future research.

Annals of the International Communication Association
Technische Hochschule Mannheim (DE), University of Mannheim (DE), Technical University of Munich (DE)
Climate action
Openalex Percentile: Top 4%
Climate Change Communication and Perception
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.