New Getty Images research shows that climate and sustainability still top concern despite the COVID-19 pandemic

NEW YORK, Oct. 7, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Getty Images has today unveiled new research which shows that climate, and sustainability more broadly, are still key issues for people even amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings have been revealed in a second wave of research for Visual GPS, completed in conjunction with global market research firm YouGov.

The updated Visual GPS research reveals that 81% of people globally expect companies to be environmentally aware in all their advertising and communications. Even despite COVID-19, nearly all points on sustainability remained similar, if not higher than from previous data taken before COVID-19:

• 91% of respondents today said they believe the way we treat our planet now will have a large impact on the future, compared to 92% from July 2019
• 69% of respondents today said they do everything they can do reduce their carbon footprint, an increase from 63% from July 2019
• 85% of respondents today are worried about air pollution, compared to 84% from July 2019

"It is surprising and heartening that despite the huge change to people's lifestyles and consumer behavior brought about by COVID-19, the environment and sustainability remain as important to people as they ever were," said Dr Rebecca Swift, Global Head of Creative Insights at Getty Images. "While interest in the environment waned in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, the environment has become inextricably linked to wellness during the COVID-19 crisis."

Visualizing Sustainability Guidelines

In response to the Visual GPS research, Getty Images has partnered with Climate Visuals, the world's only evidence-backed program for climate change photography, to present Visualizing Sustainability Guidelines. The guidelines below are linked to curated imagery of example content and give brands and businesses practical recommendations on how to find and use fresh and relevant visual content to communicate their commitment to sustainability and inspire their audiences to action.

1. Sustainability must be an intersectional objective
   Businesses have sustainability experts and/or Diversity & Inclusion experts but visual content relating to environmentalism and sustainability should not be separated from visual content that is inclusive and diverse. Representational strategies should extend to sustainability.  
   
   Climate change affects everyone across the globe, so intentionally include representation across ethnicity, class, age, sexual orientation, gender identification, religion and culture. Empower and feature all underrepresented voices. Break stereotypes of every kind. 
   
   
2. Visualize new sustainable concepts 
   Familiar images of melting icebergs and industrial chimney stacks can be popular symbols for signifying climate change, but they lose currency with repeated exposure. In addition to the classic symbolism, try expanding your scope with visuals that illustrate new sustainable concepts such as "circular economy", "reusable" or "energy efficiency".
   
   
3. Connect to aspirations about the future
   Brands, eager to overcome the sense of helplessness many consumers feel, should focus on visual content that helps visualize the concrete actions, positive steps, outcomes and real solutions that will pave the way to a better, more sustainable future. 
   
   Content should reflect authentic stories, including both the positive and negative aspects of outcomes and activities of individuals, communities and businesses who are innovating and collaborating to achieve sustainability. From those who are making small lifestyle changes, to industries who are driving innovative sustainable initiatives and new technologies.   
   
   
4. Bring it back to the individual
   Creative content should show authentic individuals having real impact on a local level. Visuals highlighting individuals and groups at their best, relative to sustainability issues, personalize the stories for your target audience. Think about every aspect of the visual – whether it be an image, video or illustration – plastic straws, disposable coffee cups and plastic bags are elemental but undermine the sustainable message. 

"In partnering with Getty Images on these new guidelines, we aim to  help brands and businesses take an evidence-based, solutions-focused approach to the climate crisis, visualizing the actions, objects, and ideas that are paving the way to a greener future," said Toby Smith, Senior Program Lead: Visuals & Media at Climate Visuals.

For more information on Visual GPS please visit https://creativeinsights.gettyimages.com/en/trends/sustainability.

SOURCE press.gettyimages.com

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