Building public support for strategies to minimize human-induced climate change must go beyond educating the public about the science if skeptics are to be convinced.
A new study of Americans claims that belief or denial of the human role in climate change is often part of ones self-identity and as such is similar to other socio-political beliefs. The authors suggest that part of the group consciousness for each side is anger towards the opposing side, and that antagonizing either side is likely to further polarize their views.
The authors suggest that in addition to strictly scientific arguments, scientists could try to convince climate skeptics that their actions are unlikely to prevent action on climate change.
Original research paper published in Nature Communications on February 2, 2015.
Names and affiliations of selected authors
