The Role of Emotion in Global Warming Policy Support and Opposition

Smith, N. and Leiserowitz, A. 2014. The Role of Emotion in Global Warming Policy Support and Opposition. Risk Analysis. 34 (5), p. 937–948. https://doi.org/10.1111/risa.12140

TitleThe Role of Emotion in Global Warming Policy Support and Opposition
TypeJournal article
AuthorsSmith, N.
Leiserowitz, A.
Abstract

Prior research has found that affect and affective imagery strongly influence public support for global warming. This article extends this literature by exploring the separate influence of discrete emotions. Utilizing a nationally representative survey in the United States, this study found that discrete emotions were stronger predictors of global warming policy support than cultural worldviews, negative affect, image associations, or sociodemographic variables. In particular, worry, interest, and hope were strongly associated with increased policy support. The results contribute to experiential theories of risk information processing and suggest that discrete emotions play a significant role in public support for climate change policy. Implications for climate change communication are also discussed.

JournalRisk Analysis
Journal citation34 (5), p. 937–948
ISSN0272-4332
Year2014
PublisherWiley
Publisher's version
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1111/risa.12140
Publication dates
Published in printMay 2014
Published online12 Nov 2013
LicenseCC BY 3.0

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