Barriers to Climate Change Communications

Abstract

This study employed narrative review to discuss three main barriers that constrain a change from climate change-related behaviours to pro-environmental behaviours. After reviewing 100 environmental communication and climate change scientific papers (1990–2022), the study found that conflicting values and social dilemmas, psychological denial, and the absence of emotional engagement are major barriers affecting the smooth dissemination of climate change-related messages. The study aimed to create awareness of how these barriers occur and the best solutions to deal with them. From the results, the mismatch of values between climate message and its audience leads to conflicting values and social dilemmas. Additionally, lack of goal specifications, fear, blaming, and negative criticism also cause psychological denial and the rejection of climate change messages. The study recommends the need for action-directed messages that will identify and resolve specific causes, effects, and outcomes of behaviours causing climate change. Also, the application of strategies such as appropriate frames and goal specifications are recommended.