In May of 2009 I wrote “Americans Don’t Agree About Climate Change” largely based on the findings of a joint Yale and George Mason Universities investigation, and in January of 2010 opined that “Americans Need a Better Understanding of Science”. The Yale University Project on Climate Change Communication has now released their 2010 report, “Americans’ Knowledge of Climate Change”(1) which presents a slightly more optimistic view than I have previously presented. The report shows that the majority of Americans now believe that global warming “is happening” but that there are large gaps in their knowledge.
The study surveyed 2030 adults, selected on the basis of U.S. Census distribution, who were asked 43 questions to test their knowledge of climate change, and 12 questions about their sources of information. Based on the number of correct "knowledge" answers, only 1% of the respondents received an grade of “A”, while 77% received either a “D” (25%) or an “F” (52%).
The authors’ summary of the study(2) is:
"Americans’ Knowledge of Climate Change reports results from a national study of what Americans understand about how the climate system works, and the causes, impacts, and potential solutions to global warming. Among other findings, the study identifies a number of important gaps in public knowledge and common misconceptions about climate change.
Overall, we found that 63 percent of Americans believe that global warming is happening, but many do not understand why. In this assessment, only 8 percent of Americans have knowledge equivalent to an A or B, 40 percent would receive a C or D, and 52 percent would get an F. The study also found important gaps in knowledge and common misconceptions about climate change and the earth system. These misconceptions lead some people to doubt that global warming is happening or that human activities are a major contributor, to misunderstand the causes and therefore the solutions, and to be unaware of the risks. Thus many Americans lack some of the knowledge needed for informed decision-making in a democratic society. For example, only:
- 57% know that the greenhouse effect refers to gases in the atmosphere that trap heat;
- 50% of Americans understand that global warming is caused mostly by human activities;
- 45% understand that carbon dioxide traps heat from the Earth’s surface;
- 25% have ever heard of coral bleaching or ocean acidification.
Meanwhile, large majorities incorrectly think that the hole in the ozone layer and aerosol spray cans contribute to global warming, leading many to incorrectly conclude that banning aerosol spray cans or stopping rockets from punching holes in the ozone layer are viable solutions.
However, many Americans do understand that emissions from cars and trucks and the burning of fossil fuels contribute to global warming, and that a transition to renewable energy sources is an important solution.
In addition, despite the recent controversies over “climategate” and the 2007 IPCC report, this study finds that Americans trust scientists and scientific organizations far more than any other source of information about global warming.
Americans also recognize their own limited understanding. Only 1 in 10 say that they are “very well informed” about climate change, and 75 percent say they would like to know more about the issue. Likewise, 75 percent say that schools should teach our children about climate change and 68 percent would welcome a national program to teach Americans more about the issue."
If we, as a society, are to make the intelligent decisions and choices that are necessary to adapt to climate change, and reduce global warming, our citizens must have far more complete understanding of basic climate science. We must all Learn, Teach others, and Act!
The Yale study was restricted to the United States – how do the results compare to your country? Leave a comment and let us know.
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1.) Leiserowitz, A., Smith, N. & Marlon, J.R. (2010) Americans’ Knowledge of Climate Change. Yale University. New Haven, CT: Yale Project on Climate Change Communication. http://environment.yale.edu/climate/files/ClimateChangeKnowledge2010.pdf
2.) http://environment.yale.edu/climate/publications/knowledge-of-climate-change
While I am not surprised that the results of this survey would assign a grade of D or F to 77% of the respondents, I do admit to being surprised by the finding that 50% of the respondents understood (and thus apparently accepted) that global warming is caused by human activity and that 57% have at least a rudimentary comprehension of the greenhouse effect. I would have expected these numbers to have been smaller.
I also share Lloyd's experience in that about 80% of the letters to the editor of our local newspaper (northwestern Virgina, US) are frightening in their vehemence. Then again, sadly they do reflect the editorial position of the paper. Likewise, I am in general agreement with his numbers.
The day after Senate Majority Leader Reid announced that the U.S. Senate would not consider climate change legislation this session it seems as if all public discussion has ceased. The general expectation appears to be that the coming mid-term elections will terminate any change of U.S. climate change legislation for several years. None-the-less we must continue to Learn, Teach others, and Act!
I wish we had a study like this in Australia, it may give the thinking people a idea of how we are travelling. I talk to as many people as possible about climate change and I can't find one in ten who have any understanding of the realities. Many ( about 50%) have a opinion. Australians are good at having opinions, just don't ask too many to explain what they mean. The letters to the editor in our daily newspaper on the subject are frightening to read, the most vocal are the most off the mark. I would guess, and my guess has no more authority than the next person, but here goes. 50% of people don't care or have no ability to understand the science. 25% would like to care and know more but are too busy or it is too hard or it means reading a book or a report. Of the last 25% most would be interested if some would take the time to explain it in simple words, that are relevant to to them. I have three grown intelligent children, who are all mature adults all hold important resposible jobs. They all listen to my words and tell me they accept what I am saying but too many other things are too important for them to spend any serious thinking time on the problem. Until the signs are very noticable or the Government makes it an important issue it will remain as is. This does not mean we stop doing what we can to educate those around us. Lloyd