Climatic Change http://doi.org/h27 (2012)

Experts tend to communicate climate change as either an environmental or a political issue but this approach has had limited impact on public concern. Other dimensions of climate change, such as public health and national security, could be used to engage the public.

Teresa Myers of George Mason University, USA, and colleagues analysed public reactions to climate change messages in America with the use of a nationally representative survey, conducted in December 2010. The participants were randomly asked to read news articles emphasizing the risks climate change poses to the environment, public health or national security. Grouped as Alarmed, Concerned, Cautious, Disengaged, Doubtful and Dismissive about climate change, they were asked indicate which part of the message made them feel hopeful, and which part made them feel angry. Results show that, across all audience groups, the public health focus led to reactions of hope consistent with support for climate action.

In the Doubtful and Dismissive groups, the national security focus aroused feelings of anger. Finally, in the Disengaged, Doubtful and Dismissive groups, the environmental focus neither inspired hope nor reduced anger.