Spotlight on the Climate Journalism Award winners: Data-driven visualisation, 'Hot nights'

The article, written by Christoph von Eichhorn, Thomas Gröbner and Thomas Hahn  from Süddeutsche Zeitung ,with the contribution of Sarah Unterhitzenberger (infographics) and Dominik Wierl (development), focuses on the inequalities within the same metropolitan area. 

In wealthier neighbourhoods, green spaces and infrastructures help to lower night-time temperatures, ensuring more comfortable living conditions. Meanwhile, in poorer areas, limited resources make it difficult to cope with heat peaks, resulting in poorer sleep quality and, consequently, a more stressful and unhealthy daily life. 

The article’s visual component centres on interactive heat maps created using satellite data. This interactive system allows readers to navigate the article seamlessly while also gaining a clear and comprehensive understanding of the issue. The ability to virtually “move” from Mumbai to Munich, from Mexico City to Tokyo, enables readers to visually grasp temperature differences, with the intense colours conveying the oppressive heat of certain areas.

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