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On the Importance of Strengthening Moderate Beliefs in Climate Science to Foster Support for Immediate Action

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  • Zachary A. Wendling

    (School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, 1315 East 10th Street, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA)

  • Shahzeen Z. Attari

    (School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, 1315 East 10th Street, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA)

  • Sanya R. Carley

    (School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, 1315 East 10th Street, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA)

  • Rachel M. Krause

    (School of Public Affairs and Administration, University of Kansas, 1445 Jayhawk Boulevard, 4060 Wescoe Hall, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA)

  • David C. Warren

    (School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, 1315 East 10th Street, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA)

  • John A. Rupp

    (Indiana Geological Survey, 611 North Walnut Grove Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA)

  • John D. Graham

    (School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, 1315 East 10th Street, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA)

Abstract

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Zachary A. Wendling & Shahzeen Z. Attari & Sanya R. Carley & Rachel M. Krause & David C. Warren & John A. Rupp & John D. Graham, 2013. "On the Importance of Strengthening Moderate Beliefs in Climate Science to Foster Support for Immediate Action," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 5(12), pages 1-18, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:5:y:2013:i:12:p:5153-5170:d:30993
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Best, Rohan & Burke, Paul J., 2018. "Adoption of solar and wind energy: The roles of carbon pricing and aggregate policy support," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 118(C), pages 404-417.

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