文章基本信息

标题：On the Importance of Strengthening Moderate Beliefs in Climate Science to Foster Support for Immediate Action
本地全文：下载
作者：Wendling, Zachary A. ; Attari, Shahzeen Z. ; Carley, Sanya R. 等
期刊名称：Sustainability
印刷版ISSN：2071-1050
出版年度：2013
卷号：5
期号：12
页码：5153-5170
出版社：MDPI, Open Access Journal
摘要：Whereas many studies focus on climate skeptics to explain the lack of support for immediate action on climate change, this research examines the effect of moderate believers in climate science. Using data from a representative survey of 832 Indiana residents, we find that agreement with basic scientific conclusions about climate change is the strongest predictor of support for immediate action, and the strength of that agreement is an important characteristic of this association. Responses indicate widespread acceptance of climate change, moderate levels of risk perception, and limited support for immediate action. Half of the respondents (50%) preferred “more research” over “immediate action” (38%) and “no action” (12%) as a response to climate change. The probability of preferring immediate action is close to zero for those who strongly or somewhat disbelieve in climate change, but as belief in climate change grows from moderate to strong, the probability of preferring immediate action increases substantially; the strongest believers have a predicted probability of preferring immediate action of 71%. These findings suggest that, instead of simply engaging skeptics, increasing public support for immediate action might entail motivating those with moderate beliefs in climate change to hold their views with greater conviction.
关键词：climate change; public perception; regional studies; immediate action