Persuasive Communication Strategies in Climate Fiction Films

This article examines the strategic communication appeals in climate fiction (cli-fi) films and explores their ethical implications for corporate communication and public discourse on climate change. Using a mixed methods approach combining manual cross-annotation, natural language processing, and hierarchical clustering via principal component analysis we analyze 35 cli-fi films to identify recurring communication strategies. Our findings reveal that these cinematic narratives routinely employ persuasive techniques common in corporate messaging, propaganda, and advertising, such as emotional framing, urgency rhetoric, and identity based storytelling. This convergence raises ethical concerns about the line between responsible persuasion and manipulation, relevant to corporate sustainability campaigns, climate advocacy, and media representation. As cli-fi films increasingly shape public perceptions of environmental responsibility and climate urgency, they not only reflect but also inform the broader ethical landscape in which business, policymakers, and media professionals operate. In conclusion, we argue for a more ethically conscious approach to climate storytelling across sectors.