Turning Science into Policy Impact
The Global Mercury Assessment 2013 was a landmark publication, produced for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in partnership with the Arctic Monitoring & Assessment Programme (AMAP) to inform international mercury regulation. With content geared towards scientists, policymakers and Arctic communities, the report needed to balance scientific rigour with clarity and visual impact.
Design for Change led the full design and production process, creating a report that is both informative and engaging. From early-stage design concepts to final layouts, our team worked closely with AMAP’s scientists to distil complex findings into a compelling narrative. Our infographics made mercury emissions and environmental transport data instantly understandable, crucial for influencing global policy under frameworks like the Minamata Convention.
Translating Data into Meaningful Design
Mercury emissions data, which spans thousands of tonnes, global sources, and environmental pathways, needed to be both technically accurate and digestible for non-specialist audiences. We achieved this through clear, structured layouts, vibrant illustrations, and custom data visualisations that empowered policymakers to engage with the content quickly and make informed decisions with global impact.
The report was designed for digital and print publication, with layouts optimised for readability and visual appeal. We built in accessibility features to ensure the content could be easily navigated and understood by a wide international audience. Each visual element – from summary charts to technical diagrams – was crafted to help readers make sense of the science and respond with meaningful environmental policies.
A Decade of Trusted Partnership
For over 15 years, we’ve partnered with AMAP to craft high-impact reports on Arctic health and environmental science. This project continued that legacy, leveraging trust, transparency, and shared purpose to deliver under pressure and at scale.
Our role extended beyond layout; we helped shape messaging, optimise visuals for print and digital formats, and maintain consistency across the broader publication series. Our support even continued post-launch, developing outreach tools to broaden the report’s influence.
Ongoing Impact
The Global Mercury Assessment 2013 helped lay the groundwork for regulatory action under the Minamata Convention and informed programmes like the Arctic Contaminants Action Programme. The visually cohesive and multilingual work that we delivered ensured the report’s visual clarity matched its scientific weight, enabling it to serve as a trusted reference long after publication.
Beyond the report, our partnership with AMAP continues to drive impactful communication. We’ve helped deliver subsequent reports, summary documents, and educational materials that extend the reach and legacy of this vital work. Through collaborative design, we’re proud to help transform environmental science into global change.
