#37 - Cognizance of Climate Change Within the United Kingdom. Part 2. (Dr. Mark Ashley Parry)

Abstract:

This paper discusses the multifaceted perceptions of climate change within the United Kingdom. Whilst the understanding of anthropogenic climate change has gained prominence in more recent decades, especially in relation to greenhouse gas processes, its conceptual roots can be traced back to ancient Greek observations. Today, climate change is recognised as a significant environmental, societal, and economic challenge. This paper draws from both primary and secondary data to highlight how the perception of climate change varies widely amongst the British public. It is influenced by different factors such as political identity, gender, age, and other socio-demographic influences. Data obtained indicates that politically left-leaning voters and females are generally more likely to acknowledge the severity of climate change compared to their right-leaning and male counterparts. A critical focus is placed on the youth, as their perceptions and engagement are pivotal for long-term climate action. Despite this, there remains a gap in research concerning youth involvement with climate change. Therefore, it can be underscored that enhanced climate education should empower the younger next generation and promote active engagement in climate change action. Meanwhile, the terminology which is used in climate change discussions can significantly alter youth and wider public engagement, with terms such as “global warming” and “climate emergency” evoking varying levels of concern. Overall, these findings emphasise the importance of integrating scientific knowledge into public perception of climate change to develop both effective and sustainable climate change policies that can be acted upon more widely.

Paper: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-96-6609-6_22

Guest: Dr. Mark Ashley Parry [Northumbria University, United Kingdom]

Host: Dr. Haris Rahadianto [Lund University, Sweden]

Music: “Sunset” by Kai Engel, available at ⁠Free Music Archive⁠, licensed under CC BY 4.0.