Examining Perceptual Disparities Associated with Climate Change

Abstract

With the rise of more environmental issues as a result of climate change, concerns over climate change deniers are becoming more prevalent. To better understand this group’s way of thinking, connections can be drawn from political affiliation, religion, and gender. Doing so will allow for adequate changes in policy and education to be made, lessening any current disparities between different demographics. Due to constantly changing worldviews, stereotypes, and biological factors, I believe that republicans, males, and Christians are more likely to experience climate change denial, therefore making them less likely to support environmentally friendly policies; meanwhile, democrats, women, and other religious beliefs not centered around a Christ figure are more likely to believe in climate change. To prove this point, my survey will be asking questions about an individual's belief on various climate topics, in addition to identifying information such as their gender; my survey will be given to high school students in America and will be released via social media platforms, school administration, and other forms of communication. With the data received from the survey, I hope to discern what future steps can be taken to compensate for these groups' deficiencies, in order to ensure a more uniform way of thinking on climate change action.