ERIC Number: EJ969582
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012-Jun
Pages: 22
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0276-8739
EISSN: N/A
Heat Waves, Droughts, and Preferences for Environmental Policy
Owen, Ann L.; Conover, Emily; Videras, Julio; Wu, Stephen
Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, v31 n3 p556-577 Sum 2012
Using data from a new household survey on environmental attitudes, behaviors, and policy preferences, we find that current weather conditions affect preferences for environmental regulation. Individuals who have recently experienced extreme weather (heat waves or droughts) are more likely to support laws to protect the environment. We find evidence that the channel through which weather conditions affect policy preference is via perceptions of the importance of the issue of global warming. Furthermore, environmentalists and individuals who consult more sources of news are less likely to have their attitudes toward global warming changed by current weather conditions. These findings suggest that communication and education emphasizing consequences of climate change salient to the individual's circumstances may be the most effective in changing attitudes of those least likely to support proenvironment policy. In addition, the timing of policy introduction could influence its success. (Contains 23 footnotes, 6 tables, and 1 figure.)
Descriptors: Evidence, Weather, Climate, Conservation (Environment), Public Policy, Environmental Education, Environmental Standards, Preferences, Community Attitudes, Behavior Standards, Environmental Influences, Family Characteristics, Predictor Variables, Individual Characteristics, Regional Characteristics, Mass Media Effects, National Surveys, Robustness (Statistics), Political Attitudes
Wiley-Blackwell. 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148. Tel: 800-835-6770; Tel: 781-388-8598; Fax: 781-388-8232; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Adult Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A