When trusted sources don't help us address climate change: A grey dilemma.

This paper delves into the limitations of trusted grey literature in tackling climate change by scrutinizing available information through case studies on recycling, biomass, and ESG investments, and revealing challenges consumers face relative to the messages they receive about climate change. The recycling scenario reveals the illusion of plastic recycling, with a mere 5% effectively recycled in the U.S., prompting a reevaluation of consumer choices. Examining aviation's pursuit of sustainable fuels, the biomass scenario exposes hurdles in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The ESG investment scenario probes the impact of anti-ESG political rhetoric, highlighting the clash between environmental responsibility and opposing ideologies. The author emphasizes the messages consumers receive about their pivotal role in greenhouse gas emissions reduction, citing the significant sway of Scope 3 emissions. The author also stresses the necessity for a new consumer-centric narrative adapting to current climate realities, and advocates for a message that encourages investment in innovative, scalable solutions, aligning with the International Monetary Fund's priorities for achieving net-zero by 2050 through global cooperation, incentivizing clean technologies, and supporting vulnerable nations. The paper issues a call to action for a more impactful and inclusive approach to address climate change, transcending traditional literature and academic discourse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]