Arctic warming and your weather: public belief in the connection. (26th July 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hamilton, Lawrence C.; Lemcke‐Stampone, Mary
• Is Part Of: International journal of climatology. Volume 34:Number 5(2014)
• Page Start: 1723
• Page End: 1728
• Publication Date: 2013-07-26
• Subjects: Climatology -- Periodicals; Climat -- Périodiques; Climatologie -- Périodiques; 551.605
• DOI: 10.1002/joc.3796
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0899-8418

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="joc3796-abs-0001"> <title>ABSTRACT</title> <p id="joc3796-para-0001">Will Arctic warming affect mid‐latitude weather? Many researchers think so, and have addressed this question through scientific articles and news media. Much of the public accepts such a connection as well. Across three New Hampshire surveys with more than 1500 interviews, 60% of respondents say they think future Arctic warming would have major effects on their weather. Arctic/weather responses changed little after Superstorm Sandy brushed the region, but exhibit consistently strong partisan divisions that grow wider with education. Belief in an Arctic/weather connection also varies, in a nonlinear pattern, with the temperature anomaly around day of interview. Interviewed on unseasonably warm <italic>or cool</italic> days, respondents are more likely to think that Arctic warming would have major effects on their weather. This unscientific response seems to mirror the scientific discussion about extremes.</p> </abstract>