Attitudes towards Climate Change among Wilderness Seekers

Abstract

The aim of the study was to explore attitudes towards climate change among wilderness seekers. The subjects were 273 (M = 23.15, SD = 7.72) adults. These included: 189 women, 80 men and 4 people who identified as non-binary. The respondents completed four questionnaires: Wilderness Novelty Seeking Scale, Wilderness Self-Efficacy Sale, Wilderness Courage Scale, and Attitude Towards Climate Changes Scale. There were three distinct profiles of the respondents: Curious, who are interested in the wilderness but lack the skills and courage to explore dangerous wilderness places; Adventurous, who actively seek experiences in dangerous wilderness places and have survival skills; and Indifferent, who have little interest in the wilderness. The participants in these profiles differed in terms of attitude toward climate change. The Curious and Adventurous groups were significantly more concerned about climate change. In addition, they were more likely to believe that climate change is already having a negative impact on the lives of people in the places where they live. Furthermore, The Curious group felt less positive about climate change than the Adventurous group. They also felt more negative about it. Finally, wilderness seekers (Curious and Adventurous) were statistically more likely to engage in pro-environmental behaviors in the context of climate change compared to the Indifferent group.