Center for Climate Change Communication

Cut carbon, get healthy!

June 13, 2010

Today, some free advice for readers:

Eat more vegetables, and less meat.

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Instead of driving, ride a bike or walk.

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Use wind, solar or nuclear power instead of coal-fired electricity.

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Why, you may ask?

To slow down global warming? Or to live a healthier life?

Actually, both.

And therein lies an opportunity.

Environmental advocates, politicians and companies could all gain by better understanding the connection between climate change, public health and personal health.

After all, we’ve heard lots of arguments from enviros and politicians who want Congress to enact climate change legislation. Some talk about saving the planet. Others tout the benefit of “green jobs.” Others talk national security, or energy independence. None seem to be working very well. (The Times today all but wrote an obit for a climate bill this year.)

One argument we haven’t heard nearly as much is that acting to curb the climate crisis will be good for our health. This could be a relevant, personal and powerful message. [click to continue…]

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How to talk about climate change

August 26, 2009

First, the good news: A vast majority of Americans–as many 90%, depending on how you phrase the question–think the U.S. should act to curb global warming. Most expect the benefits of a national response to outweigh the costs.

Now, the bad news: Very few have acted on those beliefs. Only about 10 to 12% have contacted government officials, given money or volunteered with an organization working to reduce global warming.

So we’re concerned, but apathetic.

Those are among the findings of an exceptionally detailed public opinion study called Global Warming’s Six Americas 2009: An Audience Segmentation Analysis. The 132-page study breaks down the populace into six groups, which it calls Alarmed, Concerned, Cautious, Disengaged, Doubtful and Dismissive, and analyzes each of their views. It was conducted by the Center for Climate Change Communication at George Mason University, which is led by Ed Maibach.

Global Warming's Six Americas

Global Warming's Six Americas

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