Introduction
Climate change is the result of human actions and choices. Limiting climate change – and protecting people and ecosystems, to the degree possible, from unavoidable changes in the climate – will require smart, and in some cases hard, decisions from members of the public and policy makers. Our research center was created to conduct unbiased social science research that will facilitate such public engagement.
More about us
We use social science research methods – experiments, surveys, in-depth interviews and other methods – to find ways of effectively engaging the public and policy makers in the problem, and in considering and enacting solutions. Changing people’s behavior – as consumers, as citizens, and as decision-makers – is notoriously difficult, but many past social change campaigns have been wildly successful. Consider, for example, the declines in smoking and littering, and the increases in seat belt use and recycling over the past few decades. Social science research played important roles in all of these successes.
Our Mission
Our mission is to conduct unbiased public engagement research - and to help government agencies, non-profit organizations, and companies apply the results of this research - so that collectively, we can stabilize our planet's life sustaining climate.
Special Announcement
The Climate Change in the American Mind Series, Spring 2012
In March 2012, we conducted our latest national survey on Americans’ climate change and energy beliefs, attitudes, policy support, and behavior.Extreme Weather, Climate & Preparedness in the American Mind
The first report shows that a large majority of Americans say they personally experienced an extreme weather event or natural disaster in the past year. A majority of Americans also say the weather in the United States is getting worse, and many report that extreme weather in their own local area has become more frequent and damaging. Further, large majorities believe that global warming made a number of recent extreme weather events worse. However, only about a third of Americans have either a disaster emergency plan or an emergency supply kit in their homes.
The report can be downloaded here: Extreme Weather, Climate & Preparedness in the American Mind.
Public Support for Climate & Energy Policies in March 2012
The second report shows that majorities of Americans say that global warming and clean energy should be among the nation’s priorities, want more action by elected officials, corporations and citizens themselves, and support a variety of climate change and energy policies, including holding fossil fuel companies responsible for all the “hidden costs” of their products. A majority also say they would be more likely to vote for a candidate who supports a “revenue neutral” tax shift from income taxes to fossil fuels, and that global warming will be one of the issues that determines their vote for President this fall.
The report can be downloaded here: Public Support for Climate and Energy Policies in March 2012.
Americans' Global Warming Beliefs & Attitudes in March 2012
The third report shows that overall, Americans' beliefs and attitudes about global warming have remained relatively stable over the past several months. A new question shows that Americans overestimate the proportion of the population who do not believe global warming is happening. When respondents were asked to estimate what proportion of Americans do not believe global warming is occurring, the average proportion given was 21%. However, only 14% of respondents were actually disbelievers in global warming.
Respondents were also asked about their trust in President Obama and Mitt Romney as sources of information about global warming. Almost half the country (47%) trusts Obama, but only 21% trust Romney.
The report can be downloaded here: Americans' Global Warming Beliefs & Attitudes in March 2012.
