Closing Climate Change Belief Gaps

Abstract

This paper addresses belief gaps that exist around the contentious and often misunderstood issue of climate change by highlighting the history and science behind the existing research, incorporating the most up-to-date policy and projections by governmental agencies and exploring the many factors influencing the opinion of citizenry – primarily in the United States. Attention is given to the efforts by multiple entities over the years, including specific case studies on tobacco and acid rain, to disprove scientific research and the long-term effect on policy. Ultimately, by analyzing in-depth polling data, comparing with the history of environmental movement, and accounting for the role of government and private industry, conclusions are drawn about possible trends and pathways for more productive discourse and action.