Correcting climate ‘misperceptions’ may not boost climate action
New research suggests that correcting public misperceptions about climate support does not necessarily lead to increased individual climate action. The study highlights a 'perception gap' where people underestimate their peers' commitment to environmental issues.
Why it matters
Challenges the assumption that social nudges and awareness campaigns are sufficient to drive real-world behavioral changes regarding climate change.
Share The general public often underestimate support for climate action, while overestimating the real-world actions taken by other people to address the problem, according to new research.
The study, published in Nature Climate Change , explores the differences between people’s support for climate change, their behaviour and their assumptions about other people’s behaviour.
It is based on multiple surveys of more than 5,000 people across Germany and the US. The study expands on previous research on how the general public systematically underestimate the climate commitment of their peers.
The difference between actual and perceived support for climate action among the public is sometimes known as a “ perception gap ”.
The surveys tested how people’s perceptions of climate attitudes and behaviours relate to their own willingness to contribute and undertake “climate-friendly” actions.
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