Alarmist narratives of the present climate crisis, coupled with poorly framed histories of past societal collapse, are generating an increasing sense of climate doomism. The deep time perspectives archaeology brings to understanding human–environment relations has potential to influence actionable solutions, yet archaeologists need to take more proactive measures to communicate this, in curricula and public engagement. Hunter-gatherer histories present challenges for educators to positively communicate the survival, resilience, and adaptive successes of humans, owing to perceived differences in lifeways. To understand these perceptions, archaeology students and trainee history teachers in Germany were surveyed. The results show that whilst few knew about specific climate-related events and human responses beforehand, many retained this knowledge two years later. Additionally, analysis of climate change and archaeology topics on social media indicates a lack of serious archaeological content on platforms where climate change is debated. We consider how storytelling, specifically through transformative narratives, has the power to capture the imagination, make the past relatable, and provide positive frames for change. In education and wider science communication, such frames could inspire hope and activism necessary for a future positive and equitable existence. We conclude by recommending mechanisms for the implementation of transformative narratives by the archaeological community.