Beyond the Hype: Rethinking Climate Change Narratives and Exploring Innovative Paths Toward a Sustainable Future

Abstract

Various narratives can be relevant in explaining and creating awareness on global warming because they can help harmonize information from different actors. Different players present varying perspectives on efforts required to alleviate the impact of climate change. The publication and review of 64 papers aimed at critically examining and reassessing the discourse surrounding climate change to move beyond sensational and exaggerated claims, and explore innovative and forward-thinking approaches that contribute to achieving a sustainable future. The paper first highlights the question of how current climate change discourse contributes to public understanding by addressing traditional narratives surrounding climate change. It also addresses the potential drawbacks of sensationalism and traditional narrative. The paper also highlights ways that can explore a balanced narrative to positively impact public perception and engagement with climate-related issues. Still, the work explores whether there are examples of successful policy reforms or economic initiatives that have effectively contributed to a more environmental future in the light of climate change. The results indicate that traditional narratives are still dominating, and transformative narratives are far from being mainstream. Ideas and concepts revolve around mitigation, which the majority of literature works in advanced nations countries focus on. However, the paper also observes some transformative narratives and innovative pathways challenging traditional narratives. These innovative approaches can open the way for additional social creativity and a sustainable future. Most studies propose additional studies to further comprehend and evaluate these innovative pathways since various obstacles require unpacking to shed more light on the effects of these pathways and the general public.