Regional Storytelling for a Climate-Friendly Future an Evidence Based Approach and First Prototyping Results From the Region of Lake Constance, Germany

Abstract

This project tells stories of people who have started to act for a climate-friendly future. Through regional examples, relevant climate action becomes visible on a broader scale. These stories of success are intended to show and appeal to people all over society and to create an image with different facets: “So this is what climate action looks like – and it is people like you and me who are now taking action.”

We assume that these stories (who is portrayed, which actions are interpreted as success, through which channels are the stories shared) must be selected and told carefully, to create resonance in different target groups. Based on climate communication science, hypotheses have been formulated as to what needs to be considered and implementation ideas have been developed. Initial findings from two prototyping series in 2022/2023 show: Potential protagonists seem willing to tell their stories, and the stories have a potential to inspire people. For the cinematic realisation chosen, technical film quality is relevant, and a professional level has been achieved in the second prototyping series. The selection of protagonists and stories deserves special attention. An important next step is a broader sharing of the stories in connection with impact research.

Keywords: Climate communication, storytelling, public engagement, climate action, sustainability