ORCID
0000-0002-3716-9665
Keywords
climate communication, communication, skepticism, cognitive barriers, qualitative interviews, Florida
Abstract
Despite evidence of its severity and urgency, climate change elicits relatively high skepticism and low concern within the U.S. This study explores psychological barriers preventing people from prioritizing the issue as well as potential strategies to overcome those barriers. Interviews with individuals living in Florida identifying as cautious, disengaged, or doubtful about climate change were conducted between September and October 2023. Participants expressed skepticism over humanity’s impact on the climate. They further conveyed that other nations have a larger impact on climate change than the U.S, that the issue’s criticality is exaggerated, and that observable weather shifts are not the result of climate change. Participants also expressed low perceptions of source credibility towards the government, media, and environmental activists, while expressing mixed trust for scientists. Additionally, they expressed generally low levels of collective efficacy and collective response efficacy. Other barriers identified included resentment towards mandates related to climate change, perceived hypocrisy of public figures, suspicion towards green energy sources, and frustration that other societal issues are not prioritized instead of climate change. Participants indicated they may change their opinion if presented with logical evidence from credible sources, if they could clearly observe the impacts of climate change, if their personal lives or financial situations were negatively impacted, and if there was a global mitigation effort. These findings provide further insight into the factors contributing to skepticism, uncertainty, and disengagement among segments of the U.S. public and how to potentially increase issue importance, risk perception, and policy support.
Completion Date
2024
Semester
Fall
Committee Chair
Yu, Nan
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
College
College of Sciences
Department
Nicholson School of Communication and Media
Degree Program
Strategic Communication
Format
Identifier
DP0029015
Language
English
Release Date
12-15-2024
Access Status
Dissertation
Campus Location
Orlando (Main) Campus
STARS Citation
Mayer, Monica, "Exploring Barriers and Pathways to Public Engagement on Climate Change" (2024). Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024. 50.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd2024/50
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