A Meta-Analysis of Environmental Communication Research: Exploring Sustainable Development, Public Involvement, and the Critique of Technological Triumphalism

In the context of environmental challenges and overreliance on technology, the current study explores how environmental communication (EC) research tackles sustainable development, public engagement, and critiques infinite economic growth and technological dependence. Accordingly, this study is guided by the question: How has EC research evolved in engaging with sustainable development, public involvement and critiquing infinite economic growth and technological triumphalism? Guided by the question of how EC research has developed over time, this analysis particularly focuses on three distinct time periods—1967-2000, 2001-2015, and 2016-2021—to accurately trace the progression and shifts in the field. A comprehensive bibliometric analysis, utilizing Python scripting for keyword co-occurrence network diagrams was used to ensure a rigorous examination of the literature. The study's findings highlight the crucial roles of sustainable development, public education, and engagement in EC research, emphasizing the need for an interdisciplinary approach that recognizes the intricate interplay between environmental, social, technological, and political factors. This research contributes to advancing EC by advocating for more comprehensive, inclusive, and action-oriented approaches, paving the way for more effective communication strategies and better environmental outcomes.