Perceptions of climate (change, variability, warming, etc.) are influenced by direct observation, personal experience, reports of observations, and information and education provided by external sources such as the media and scientific papers. Perceptions of climate shape beliefs (and vice versa), behavior, and decisions. This conceptual category is closely linked to Learning and Information Processing and Framing.

New York City Global Warming Survey »
The survey is the first-ever study of New Yorkers' opinions about global warming. It finds that most are convinced global warming is happening now and more should be done by key leaders to help New York City deal with climate change.

Climate Change, Vicarious Experience and the Social Amplification of Risk »
This international study compares how viewing a movie about climate change or reading a scientific paper influences people's perceptions and attitudes toward climate change differently.

Hurricanes Warnings: Creation, Dissemination and Interpretation of the Cone of Probability »
Understanding how the public (mis-)interprets the images of current probabilistic hurricane forecasts will help to produce better graphics for risk communication.

Decision Making under the Impact of Glacial Retreat among Residents of Vulnerable Zones: Perception of and Response to Climate Change »
This project focuses on the detection of climate change through direct experience from glacial retreat, declining water availability, and flood risks in three Alpine regions: Swiss Alps, Peruvian Andes, U.S. Cascades.

More Research
Experience-Based vs. Description-Based Climate Related Decisions made by Individuals and Groups »

The Future is Now: Climate Change Detection and Behavior in Regions Experiencing Significant Climate Change »

Hypothesis Testing: Historical Research on Individual and Group Decision Making in Grasslands »



Last Updated: March 6, 2008