Exploring the "Evil Twin of Global Warming": Public Understanding of Ocean Acidification in the United States. Issue 1 (February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cooke, Sandra L.; Kim, Sojung C.
• Is Part Of: Science communication. Volume 41:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: 66
• Page End: 89
• Publication Date: 2019-02
• Subjects: public understanding -- unfamiliarity -- ocean acidification -- climate change -- value predispositions -- demographics -- information seeking intentions -- research support; Social sciences -- Periodicals; Knowledge, Sociology of -- Periodicals; Communication in science -- Periodicals; Communication of technical information -- Periodicals; Communication in medicine -- Periodicals; Information scientifique -- Périodiques; Information technique -- Périodiques; Communication en sciences sociales -- Périodiques; Communication en médecine -- Périodiques; 300.14
• DOI: 10.1177/1075547018821434
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1075-5470

Abstract

Ocean acidification (OA) occurs when carbon dioxide (CO2 ) dissolves into oceans. OA and climate change are both caused by anthropogenic CO2 emissions, and many scientists consider them equally critical problems. We assess if preexisting beliefs, ideologies, value predispositions, and demographics affect OA perceptions among the U.S. public. Nearly 80% of respondents know little about OA, but concern increased following a message explaining OA and climate change, especially among females, liberals, and climate change believers. OA information seeking intentions and research support were also greater among females, liberals, and climate change believers. We discuss implications for efforts to increase OA public awareness.