Emotional mobilization and national image: a study on the international communication effectiveness and cognitive differences of China’s “dual carbon” discourse in Africa

Abstract

In the changing landscape of global climate governance, China is actively building a green technology innovation system and a new model of low-carbon development under the guidance of its carbon peaking and carbon neutrality strategy. China-Africa climate cooperation plays a key role in Africa’s green development process. Effective communication of the “dual carbon” strategy in Africa is of profound significance for telling the story of China’s ecological civilization and promoting the building of a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future. This paper, from the perspective of cross-cultural emotional communication, conducts a detailed study on the international communication effects of “dual carbon” discourse in Africa, audience cognitive differences, and effective ways to construct localized emotional narratives through questionnaire surveys and in-depth interviews. The study finds that African people generally believe that climate change has a significant impact on Africa and that “dual carbon” policies are effective. The cognitive differences of African audiences regarding “dual carbon” discourse stem from information characteristics, namely whether the communication content possesses emotional warmth and local cultural resonance. By analyzing the narrative types of “dual carbon” discourse, this paper summarizes experiences for future policy communication.