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The Techno-Optimists of Climate Change: Science Communication or Technowashing?

Author

Listed:
  • Sofia Ribeiro

    (Institute of Social Sciences, University of Lisbon, 1600-189 Lisboa, Portugal)

  • Viriato Soromenho-Marques

    (Centre of Philosophy, University of Lisbon, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal)

Abstract

Although it is important to communicate scientific knowledge, it seems that this assumption is even more evident when it comes to environment-related themes, which have gained more relevance in the public sphere in the last decades. This article evaluates the spectacularization techniques of technology and science displayed as if they were the only solution to the environmental crisis. Firstly, from a literature perspective, this article shows the evolution of science communication and the relationship between society and science over the last centuries. After that, it presents a critical view on the excessive optimism around technology and scientific advancement, arguing that the possible solutions to the environmental crisis cannot come exclusively through technology substitution. The article thus shows that there is today a clear distinction between science communication and the communication of science as a mass product, which is promoted today by different stakeholders to manipulate public opinion for different reasons. Finally, the article identifies some common elements of this phenomenon that we call technowashing, insofar as it aims at a laundering of responsibilities and harmful impacts of business and political decisions.

Suggested Citation

  • Sofia Ribeiro & Viriato Soromenho-Marques, 2022. "The Techno-Optimists of Climate Change: Science Communication or Technowashing?," Societies, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-11, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsoctx:v:12:y:2022:i:2:p:64-:d:786850
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Stuart Bryce Capstick, 2013. "Public Understanding of Climate Change as a Social Dilemma," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 5(8), pages 1-18, August.
    2. Richard Owen & Phil Macnaghten & Jack Stilgoe, 2012. "Responsible research and innovation: From science in society to science for society, with society," Science and Public Policy, Oxford University Press, vol. 39(6), pages 751-760, December.
    3. Steven J. Lade & Will Steffen & Wim Vries & Stephen R. Carpenter & Jonathan F. Donges & Dieter Gerten & Holger Hoff & Tim Newbold & Katherine Richardson & Johan Rockström, 2020. "Human impacts on planetary boundaries amplified by Earth system interactions," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 3(2), pages 119-128, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Gentile, Giuliana & Gupta, Joyeeta, 2025. "Orchestrating the narrative: The role of fossil fuel companies in delaying the energy transition," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 212(C).

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