Experiencing Global Warming Is Changing People's Minds About It

Provided by: Yale Program on Climate Change Communication |Published on: February 1, 2023

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Synopsis

This short article summarizes the findings of multiple surveys about why Americans are changing their opinions about global warming.
The research suggests that public perception of climate change can be more effectively influenced by emphasizing personal impact stories, communicating local effects, and enhancing pro-climate social norms.

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Subjects: Civics

Authors: Matthew Ballew et al., Matthew Ballew, Jennifer Marlon, Matthew Goldberg, Edward Maibach, Seth Rosenthal, Emily Aiken and Anthony Leiserowitz

Region: North America, United States

Languages: English

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Teaching Materials

Positives

This brief summary of the research is much more accessible to students than the full 25-page report on which it is based.
The article discusses some of the connections between political parties and climate change beliefs.
Two graphs are included that display key data collected in the study.

Additional Prerequisites

Students should have a basic understanding of climate change and American politics.
If students are unfamiliar with statistics, they may need support interpreting the correlational data.
Teachers should address the limitations of self-reported data with students.

Differentiation

Students can identify the impacts of global warming in their area and share personal stories with their community to help shift perspectives.
Civics classes can discuss the differences in opinion about global warming between republicans and democrats and why these differences exist.
Cross-curricular connections can be made with statistics classes by exploring the correlational data and the methods used in the surveys.
Social studies classes can watch this video after reading the article to gain some additional perspective about why some people may have different views. Have students research other examples of propaganda as well.

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About the Partner Provider

Yale Program on Climate Change Communication

The Yale Program on Climate Change Communication conducts scientific research on public opinion and behavior. They also engage the public in climate change science and solutions, in partnerships with governments, media, companies, and civil society.

Scientist Reviewed

This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.

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Experiencing Global Warming Is Changing People's Minds About It

Synopsis

Teaching Materials

About the Partner Provider

Scientist Reviewed

Related Teaching Resources