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Climate Change and Human Health Literature Portal Perceptions of climate change and trust in information providers in rural Australia

Climate Change and Human Health Literature Portal

Buys L, Aird R, van Megen K, Miller E, Sommerfeld J
2014
Public Understanding of Science. 23 (2): 170-188

Disagreement within the global science community about the certainty and causes of climate change has led the general public to question what to believe and whom to trust on matters related to this issue. This paper reports on qualitative research undertaken with Australian residents from two rural areas to explore their perceptions of climate change and trust in information providers. While overall, residents tended to agree that climate change is a reality, perceptions varied in terms of its causes and how best to address it. Politicians, government, and the media were described as untrustworthy sources of information about climate change, with independent scientists being the most trusted. The vested interests of information providers appeared to be a key reason for their distrust. The findings highlight the importance of improved transparency and consultation with the public when communicating information about climate change and related policies.

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Resource Description

    Rural
    Non-United States
    • Non-United States: Australasia
    General Health Impact
    Research Article
    Communication, Mitigation
    • Communication, Mitigation : General Public/Unspecified
    • Communication, Mitigation : Mitigation Co-Benefit/Co-Harm
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