Narrating our downfall to prevent it Creating models of the future through narratives in Anthropocene discourse

Abstract

Unlike other geological epochs, the concept of the Anthropocene is defined by the present and in particular the future. This article examines the Anthropocene discourse as a public discourse and its potential to establish visions of the future. The underlying hypothesis is that narratives are a potent means to communicate such ideas and for people to understand and accept them. After all, stories are a highly effective medium to explain complex scenarios to diverse target audiences,convey urgency and importance, and encourage action. Anthropocene narratives provide modern society with a tool to reflect on how consequences of actions impact societal structures and shape society’s image of itself. The modelling of visions of the future through narratives will be exemplified on a specific discourse (on climate change) and one particular method (to create scenarios) will be analysed.