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

PDF

Identifier

DP0029015

Language

English

Release Date

12-15-2024

Access Status

Dissertation

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

Accessibility Status

PDF accessibility verified using Adobe Acrobat Pro Accessibility Checker

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