Narrative matters for sustainability: the transformative role of storytelling in realizing 1.5°C futures

Abstract

Narratives structure human comprehension, and shape our ability to imagine and achieve transformed futures within the 1.5 degree threshold. Examining tensions between narrative as a communication technique and as a spatial-temporal cognitive structure, this paper brings these different understandings together in a conversation for transformative global change. We suggest that filling the 'information deficit' with improved communication of a single, unifying and global narrative about Earth systems is necessary but insufficient: filling the 'narrative deficit' requires engagement with the protagonists, timelines, and places that provide situated agency in identifying and navigating uncertainty and risk. Transformations to sustainability will require recognizing and engaging multiple, diverse experiences of agency, a process that attention to narrative can help facilitate.

Pedagogical Laboratories: A Case Study of Transformative Sustainability Education in an Ecovillage Context

“…Today, the practice of storytelling is as important as it has ever been [61][62][63]. Much like contemplative rituals, storytelling is also a contemplative pedagogy [4], and has been around for millennia as an essential tool for the sustainability of cultures with strong oral traditions.…”

“…Much like contemplative rituals, storytelling is also a contemplative pedagogy [4], and has been around for millennia as an essential tool for the sustainability of cultures with strong oral traditions. However, its application to modern sustainability and sustainability education has only more recently begun to draw attention [61][62][63]. For example, Veland et al argue that we should not underestimate stories, as they essentially "constrain and enable what is thinkable and sayable about the past, present, and future" [62] (p. 42).…”

“…However, its application to modern sustainability and sustainability education has only more recently begun to draw attention [61][62][63]. For example, Veland et al argue that we should not underestimate stories, as they essentially "constrain and enable what is thinkable and sayable about the past, present, and future" [62] (p. 42). Further, as Cron articulates, humans are essentially wired for stories: "we think in stories, and this allows us to envision [and create] a future" [64] (p. 6).…”

Sustainability management: research insights from social cognitive neuroscience

“…In this respect, managing in a more sustainable manner needs to become a compelling story, one that resonates emotionally and is readily shared.Proposition The future agenda for enhanced sustainability management needs to manifest “self‐referent” qualities commensurate with the targeted audience. The observer needs to see his or herself within their mental picture of sustainability (see, for example, Sidiropoulos, ).Proposition The success of enhanced sustainability management requires more compelling, emotionally engaging narratives (see, for example, Veland et al, ).…”

“…Proposition 9. The success of enhanced sustainability management requires more compelling, emotionally engaging narratives (see, for example, Veland et al, 2018).…”