Promoting Greater Granularity in Climate Research: A Case Study Analyzing Perceptions of Anthropogenic Climate Change Among Students, Faculty, and Staff at The University of Southern Mississippi

<p>Anthropogenic climate change is a global concern that has the possibility to become the next world-altering event. While there is a substantial amount of scientific evidence proving its existence and harmful repercussions, there is still a lack of belief in its occurrence within the United States. This research uses survey data obtained from the University of Southern Mississippi to provide an understanding at a local scale of how both physical and psychological aspects bridge a gap in perception research.</p> <p>With the use of previous research done by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication (YPCCC) and George Mason University Center for Climate Change Communication (Mason 4C), I compare survey results on climate change belief as well as perceptions of risk. Additionally, I assess psychological influences on climate perceptions using the Moral Foundations Theory, as well as obtain differences in views based on generation. In this thesis, I validate risk perception, morality, and generations each as useful methods in understanding climate perceptions. These results demonstrate the need for more granular-level research to understand how perceptions are presented.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters Thesis

Year dc:date.available

2024

Author dc:creator

• Wegmann, Kelly

Contributors dc:contributor

• Dr. David M. Cochran Jr.
• Dr. Clay S. Tucker
• Dr. Kayla D. Stan

• anthropogenic climate change
• risk perception
• moral foundations theory
• generations
• Southeastern United States
• Yale Program on Climate Change Communication

Repository record dc:identifier

https://aquila.usm.edu/masters_theses/1052

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:aquila.usm.edu:masters_theses-2136