Public Perception of Climate Change
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31305/rrijm.2026.v11.n01.032Keywords:
Climate Change, Public Perception, Environmental Awareness, Climate Communication, Environmental Sociology, Media InfluenceAbstract
Climate change has emerged as one of the most critical environmental challenges facing the world today. Scientific evidence overwhelmingly confirms that global warming, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events are largely driven by human activities. However, public perception of climate change varies significantly across different societies, cultures, and political contexts. Understanding how individuals perceive climate change is essential for designing effective policies, communication strategies, and environmental initiatives. This research paper examines the factors that shape public perception of climate change, including media influence, education, political ideology, and cultural values. The study reviews existing literature on climate communication and environmental sociology to understand how people interpret climate information and respond to environmental risks. Research findings indicate that public perception is influenced not only by scientific knowledge but also by social, political, and psychological factors. Misinformation, political polarization, and media framing often shape how individuals interpret climate-related information. The paper concludes that improving climate literacy, strengthening science communication, and promoting public engagement are essential for addressing misconceptions and encouraging collective action against climate change.
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