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The Need for a Narrative Theory of Sustainable Development

Author

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  • Hertwich, Edgar

Abstract

Much science advice today is predicated on the information-deficit model, in which facts have agency or the administrative state makes policy primarily based on information. Sustainable development addresses environmental and social aspects while leaving the economy to market forces, individual lives to the unfettered influence of companies, and the organization of society shaped by tech bros. This model is no longer fit, and a more powerful narrative is needed that shows the path to how we ourselves can achieve a fundamental transformation of economy and society through the building of a new culture and institutions. Here I sketch what I think should be elements of such a sustainable development narrative rooted in natural history and insights to human nature observed in history and by social sciences. The manuscript serves to stimulate a discussion that at some point will lead to a full-fledged narrative theory of sustainable development, created by many.

Suggested Citation

  • Hertwich, Edgar, 2026. "The Need for a Narrative Theory of Sustainable Development," MPRA Paper 128305, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:128305
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    JEL classification:

    • H4 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods
    • Q56 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environment and Development; Environment and Trade; Sustainability; Environmental Accounts and Accounting; Environmental Equity; Population Growth
    • Q57 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Ecological Economics

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