Political Ideology and Trust in Climate Change Information Sources

Abstract

Discussions about climate change are taking place more and more frequently, as awareness of its rapidly growing danger increases. Discussions about what we, as citizens, can do to counteract climate change’s effects are being shrouded by the loud voices that are denouncing the very existence of climate change. These dissenters are distracting us from valuable conversations about action and strategy, as focus is directed towards simply proving that actions must be taken in the first place. Knowing who these dissenters are is crucial in understanding how to get through to them about the existence of climate change and the importance of working slow its effects. Previous research has focused mainly on American citizens and their trust levels in various information sources about climate change information. When looking at the level of trust in news media, scientists, and the US President as sources of climate change information, we found that one’s level of education, political party affiliation, and voter history in the 2016 presidential election were predictors. With this knowledge, it is possible that we may tailor information sources that climate change deniers consume to aid in their understanding of the reality and impact of climate change.

Faculty Mentor: Shelley Boulianne

Department: Sociology