Reflections on place and trust in images of socio-ecological transformations: From the Ahrtal floods to New Orleans

Transformation tends to be embedded within collective imaginaries. In the context of climate change, imaginaries of transformation can be sorted into representations of (1) business-as-usual; (2) techno-fixes and (3) apocalypse. Drawing on Sarah Pink's work, we reflect on the alternative approach of “trusted and emplaced futures” here. We put this concept to work by conducting a qualitative image analysis of a German hidden picture book for children that addresses the European floods of 2021 and a promotional video released by the city of New Orleans. Within both media, we find strong elements of Pink's conceptualisation and the merits of basing socio-ecological transformations within the realm of what is known and trusted within local communities. Critically, however, we also reflect on the limits of the concept by highlighting the recent societal discontent and political polarisation with regards to such transformations. Trusted and emplaced imaginaries are thus a rather ambiguous concept, which might promote action and understanding amongst some, but might simultaneously be lost among those who do not trust in the first place. We conclude that visualisations can support our communication efforts to reach people who lack trust in socio-ecological transformations.