New elite centre: To tackle the climate crisis, we need to change the narrative about climate action

Addressing the climate challenge requires efforts from multiple sides. Green technology, carbon quotas and recycling can do a lot, but technology fixes will not suffice to tackle the climate crisis.

In the first place, we need to change the way we perceive humans’ place in the world. How much can we truly change if we continue to place humanity and economic growth at the center of everything?

The question comes from Patricia Wolf, director of the new elite centre PACA, which has been funded by the SDU Climate Cluster. The centre's objective is to identify an alternative root narrative for humanity's place in the world, capable of mobilizing a large number of citizens for climate initiatives.

Is economic growth a positive thing?

Patricia Wolf believes that the way we conceptualize climate change is, to a large extent, anthropocentric. This perspective implies, for example, that we have the right to produce and consume what we want and that economic growth is positive.

- It is a narrative that still governs our thinking. However, research indicates that economic growth is incompatible with both controlling climate change and ensuring resource sustainability, she says, adding:

- The prevailing narrative of human dominance over nature, rooted in anthropocentrism, has indeed provided short-term benefits, but we are now experiencing the consequences. To bring about meaningful change, we must replace the dominant narrative that places humanity outside of nature and treats economic growth as an endless pursuit with a new positive narrative. This requires redefining our role in relation to other beings on Earth and recognizing the Earth's capacities.

What can we achieve by changing our mindsets?

Great narratives have always driven major changes in human society, she reminds us.

- PACA's fundamental assumption is that without a shift in narrative, the necessary social changes stemming from the climate crisis will not be widely accepted. A new mindset is a precursor to reorganizing production and consumption patterns. This is a fundamental social change, but the good news is that traces of this narrative is already detectable in various parts of society.

Sebastian Mernild, professor in climate change and Head of the SDU Climate Cluster, emphasizes the importance of exploring all possibilities to meet the climate goals set by the world.

- Technology alone is not enough to solve the challenges. We need to consider every option, and it is exciting that PACA will investigate what can be achieved by changing mindsets and ways of thinking, he says.

Patricia Wolf points out that with different narratives, we can approach the climate crisis differently.

- For example, we can talk about how we nurture the living conditions on the planet instead of talking about the need to save resources. We can talk about prosperity instead of growth. How we talk about things matters, she says.

The question is, where are those narratives, and how do we get them out in the world?

Which narratives will work?

Roots for a post-anthropocentric narrative can, next to the academic literature and the arts, be found in citizen-driven local climate change initiatives and collaborations, Patricia Wolf believes.

PACA will therefore start with an investigation of what drives pro-environmental and post-anthropocentric citizenship.

- What motivates these people? Are there any common denominators in their narratives? Afterwards, we will select a number of groups and strategies and follow them – how do their narratives function? What are the characteristics of campaigns and initiatives that succeed in engaging consumers and citizens, Wolf explains.

Over time, PACA will create a repository of post-anthropocentric activities, strategies etc., that have the potential to strengthen the climate fight in new ways.

- This is something that should be accessible to everyone, whether you are a citizen, owner of a small cafe or a politician. Everyone should be able to find inspiration in our post-anthropocentric narrative, says Patricia Wolf.