Independent science is indispensable for democracy. Despite more than three decades of international climate politics, humanity has already crossed the planetary boundary, and global greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise. In an increasingly polarized society, activists are thus calling on governments to “tell the truth” and to correct prevailing (false) narratives. At the same time, climate change is being denied, particularly on the right-wing political spectrum. (Political) Science is faced with the difficult task of not allowing itself to be politicized by either side, while at the same time not neglecting existing observations and arguments.

In authoritarian systems, knowledge in the form of simple narratives is used by the elite to manipulate and exercise power over the citizens. Those who disagree are considered “wrong.” This applies not only to facts, but also to the choice of political measures – from light bulbs to diets and birth control. When the individual calculates the costs and benefits of obedience to authority, this is socially constructed as “selfish” or “egoistic.” In contrast, in a democracy, knowledge claims are not binary in the sense of “either/or.” In a pluralistic society, beliefs compete for power in the pursuit of a common goal such as climate protection; for example, mitigation and adaption measures vary from country to country.

Research and education policies also contribute to the polarization of the climate debate. So far, the issue has been viewed primarily from a natural science and technology perspective, while economics dominates the social discourse. But more data, better models, and more accurate information have not led to the transformation needed to stay within the planet’s ecological boundaries. Knowledge is always a question of power. When it is simplified or polarized it serves particular interests. It becomes dangerous when knowledge is seen as absolutely true and is no longer questioned. Understanding these relationships better is the task of the social sciences. The social sciences are therefore essential for democracy.

Partzsch, L. 2024: “Not One Inconvenient Truth, But Many: Emergency Narratives and Climate Change.” Journal of Political Power 18(1), 77–92, https://doi.org/10.1080/2158379X.2024.2426093