Image Alt Text B: Complex Images & Infographics

Alt Text and Complex Images 

Writing alt text for complex images and infographics can be tricky and time consuming, but it’s super important for accessibility. Since screen readers can't interpret visuals, your job is to provide a clear, meaningful description that helps users understand the same information a sighted person would get from looking at the image. A complex image is anything that can’t be described briefly in a few words. This includes:

• Infographics

• Charts and graphs

• Maps

• Diagrams or flowcharts

• Timelines with data

• Images packed with labels or statistics

✅Checklist for Image Alt Text

• 1. Add basic alt text to the image as described on page that includes title, and general content.

  2. Whenever possible, add a link to the data set if in an accessible program

  3. Place a detailed description near the image (e.g., below it, in an appendix, or on its own separate page via a link) that includes:

• Headings or labels in the infographic.

• Data trends, comparisons, or key insights (not just raw text dump).

• Explanation of how to interpret charts or diagrams.

• Use structured text (lists, tables, headings) for clarity.

 Full Description of '2024 Global Climate Trends' Infographic 

(Content of link above published on its own page, or optionally can be published in proximity to the image as below.)

2024 Global Climate Trends

• Temperature Over Time:
  A line graph displays the global average temperature from 1900 to 2024. The temperature rises steadily, with a sharper increase after 1980. In 2024, the global average temperature is 1.4°C above pre-industrial levels.
  
  

• Global Heat Map:
  A world map shows regional temperature anomalies:

  • North America: +1.5°C

  • Europe: +1.8°C

  • Asia: +2.1°C

  • Arctic region: +3.4°C (dark red)

  • Equatorial regions: +0.8°C
    
    

• Pie Chart 1 – CO₂ Emission Sources:

  • Transportation: 24%

  • Industry: 30%

  • Electricity & Heat: 36%

  • Other: 10%
    
    

• Pie Chart 2 – Arctic Ice Loss Impact:

  • Sea Level Rise: 55%

  • Biodiversity Loss: 30%

  • Weather Pattern Disruption: 15%
    
    

• Pie Chart 3 – Global Energy Sources:

  • Fossil Fuels: 65%

  • Renewables: 30%

  • Nuclear: 5%

Summary Insight 

Global warming continues to accelerate, with the Arctic warming at more than twice the global average. Fossil fuels remain the dominant energy source, contributing heavily to emissions. Arctic ice loss is directly driving sea level rise and ecosystem disruption.