Improving public understanding of climate change by supporting weathercasters

Maibach, Edward; Cullen, Heidi; Placky, Bernadette Woods; Witte, Joe; Gandy, Jim

doi:10.1038/s41558-022-01433-2

Cited by 9 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…Research demonstrating the message's effectiveness, however, was also likely helpful in securing investments for larger communication campaigns [36,59,60]. Efforts to spread the message were also catalyzed by many non-scientists [61,62].…”

Section: Shifting Climate Change Concerns and Discoursementioning

confidence: 99%

Change in US state-level public opinion about climate change: 2008–2020

Marlon

Wang

Bergquist

et al. 2022

Environ. Res. Lett.

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Public attitudes toward climate change influence climate and energy policies and guide individual mitigation and adaptation behaviors. Over the last decade, as scientific certainty about the causes and impacts of, and solutions to the climate crisis has increased, cities, states, and regions in the United States have pursued diverse policy strategies. Yet, our understanding of how Americans’ climate views are changing remains largely limited to national trends. Here we use a large US survey dataset (N = 27,075) to estimate dynamic, state-level changes in 16 climate change beliefs, risk perceptions, and policy preferences over 13 years (2008-2020). We find increases in global warming issue importance and perceived harm in every state. Policy support, however, increased in more liberal states like California and New York, but remained stable elsewhere. Year-by-year estimates of state-level climate opinions can be used to support sub-national mitigation and adaptation efforts that depend on public support and engagement.

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Section: Shifting Climate Change Concerns and Discoursementioning

confidence: 99%

Change in US state-level public opinion about climate change: 2008–2020

Marlon

Wang

Bergquist

et al. 2022

Environ. Res. Lett.

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“…Participants' understanding of climate change and bushfire links was (in part) informed by opportunities to speak with climate change and fire experts. This provides further evidence supporting the value of empow ering weathercasters, journalists, and other communicators to engage audiences about connections between climate change and local weather while such events remain matters of public attention (Maibach et al, 2022). The occurrence of extreme weather events is not only an opportunity for experts to educate citizens about climate change-citizen perspectives can also inform strategies to build stronger resilience to such events in the future by revealing local dynamics of emergency responses and community vulnerabili ties.…”

Section: Implications For Climate Change Communication and Mobilizationmentioning

confidence: 68%

Examining contrasting influences of extreme weather experiences on individual climate activism

Ettinger,

Walton,

Painter

et al. 2024

Glob. Environ. Psychol.

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Researchers have examined how extreme weather experiences influence climate change attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors, with mixed results. However, limited research has explored how extreme weather experiences may affect climate-related perceptions and behaviors among climate activists. Given the significant role activism plays in climate action, as well as frequent dropout and burnout among activists, it is important to understand to what extent, how, and why extreme weather may influence individual climate activism. This study explores reported influences of extreme weather experiences on climate perceptions and activism through interviews with 33 Australian adults who directly experienced bushfires and previously engaged in climate activism. All participants felt more vulnerable to climate change after experiencing bushfires. Fifteen participants (45%) increased their activism; 13 (39%) maintained the same activism level; and 5 (15%) decreased their activism. Participants who increased their activism sought to share their bushfire stories with news media, policymakers, and through artistic projects. Climate activism helped several participants cope with bushfire-related trauma, whereas several other participants reduced their activism because their experiences undermined self-efficacy (perception that one can act on climate change). These findings show the divergent ways individuals may respond to extreme weather experiences and have implications for climate action mobilization strategies.

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“…On asking whether they have ever taken any action or is there anything that they regularly do that can be considered as pro-environmental or something that shows their concern for climate change, approximately 20% of interviewees reported taking actions to mitigate climate change. Despite recognizing its personal impact, many individuals do not translate this awareness into action (Maibach et al ., 2022; Schultz, 2014). Actions included water and electricity conservation, with potential barriers including lack of awareness and certain challenges (Maibach et al ., 2022).…”

Section: Data Analysis and Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Climate consciousness: assessing climate change awareness in Gurugram, India

Manchanda

2024

JABES

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PurposeThe objective of this study is to explore the level of understanding and actions taken by the people of Gurugram (erstwhile Gurgaon) to mitigate the impact of climate change, given its critical importance as a global issue.Design/methodology/approachUsing a qualitative approach, primary data were collected through in-depth interviews by means of semi-structured interview methods.FindingsThe findings indicate that while people are aware of climate change, the information is deficient for them to translate their knowledge into effective action. Some of the major challenges identified are lack of appropriate understanding, resources, education, motivation and government initiatives, as well as the old habits, peer influence, feeling of incapability and limited media exposure. To bridge the intention-action gap, it is recommended that people should be empowered to act desirably. There is a change need for awareness and education on ways to mitigate the effects of climate change. The study has implications for researchers, environmentalists, policymakers, non-government organizations and local residents of Gurugram.Originality/valueThis study provides unique insights into the understanding of climate change by the general public and challenges faced in taking pro-environment actions. It emphasizes the urgent need to create awareness and educate individuals about ways to mitigate the impact of climate change.

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Improving public understanding of climate change by supporting weathercasters

Cited by 9 publications

References 8 publications

Change in US state-level public opinion about climate change: 2008–2020

Change in US state-level public opinion about climate change: 2008–2020

Examining contrasting influences of extreme weather experiences on individual climate activism

Climate consciousness: assessing climate change awareness in Gurugram, India

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