Going the Distance: Using Construal-Level Theory to Explain Climate Change Engagement

• In Event: Extended Session: Climate Change Communication: Testing Messages and Media Effects

Abstract

Climate change has altered our landscapes and weather patterns, impacting economic systems, human and environmental health, and cultural routines. Yet, despite real and present impacts, for many, climate change remains an abstract risk – a low-salience issue surpassed by competing concerns like jobs and family. Using a survey with an embedded experimental manipulation, we assess how manipulating psychological distance in a message about future climate change impacts in four exemplar cities influences individuals’ willingness to engage in mitigation behavior and to support mitigation policy, as well as their perceptions of the degree to which distant others should do the same. Results suggest that with respect to mitigation behavior, close temporal distance led to less social distance perception than far temporal distance. In addition, the exemplar that portrayed both far temporal and spatial distance also significantly increased social distance perception. Theoretical and applied implications are presented, along with directions for future research.

Authors

• Laura N. Rickard, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry

• Zheng Janet Yang, U of Buffalo - SUNY