Narratives Can Motivate Environmental Action: The Whiskey Creek Ocean Acidification Story

Kelly, Ryan P.; Cooley, Sarah R.; Klinger, Terrie

doi:10.1007/s13280-013-0442-2

Cited by 33 publications

(26 citation statements)

References 40 publications

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“…Here it has been suggested that localising the issue is key, such that it becomes closer in space, time and society as well as less uncertain for people [58]. Although this strategy has to be attempted with care, and more research is needed to explore the validity of this suggestion [59] one way to localise the issue will be through the use of narratives and stories about the impacts of OA in communities reliant on the marine environment (see [60]). OA is not as prominent in the UK as in parts of North America as there have not been significant impacts yet (although these are possible).…”

Section: Egalitarianismmentioning

confidence: 99%

UK public perceptions of Ocean Acidification – The importance of place and environmental identity

2018

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A B S T R A C TThe marine environment is affected by climate change in many ways but it is also affected by the separate problem of ocean acidification (OA). Anthropogenic carbon dioxide that is absorbed by the ocean causes changes in ocean chemistry including an increase in acidity. Fisheries and shellfish industries, which are vital livelihoods for some communities have already been affected by OA. As there has been little research conducted to examine public risk perceptions of this issue, the aim was to explore this through a survey (N = 954) carried out in the UK. The survey explored a range of psychological factors including concern, place attachment, and environmental identity that are known to influence risk perceptions. A regression analysis found that more concerned participants had stronger environmental identities and higher levels of knowledge about OA. As predicted, they also felt more attached to the ocean and felt more negative about OA. It was clear that place attachment and environmental identity were important factors and thus should not be neglected when developing risk communications, particularly for this unfamiliar risk issue. As unfamiliar and complex risks such as OA are becoming more prevalent and must be communicated successfully in a world full of conflicting information, it is important to consider how OA is perceived by the public and how this can inform policy decisions in future. If major mitigation and adaptation strategies are adopted by policymakers the success of these will also ultimately require society to accept them.

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Section: Egalitarianismmentioning

confidence: 99%

UK public perceptions of Ocean Acidification – The importance of place and environmental identity

2018

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“…Experiential factors that make climate risk personal play a significant role in influencing concern [34,32]. For example, Spence et al found that experience with flooding contributed to higher levels of concern for climate change [65].…”

Section: Awareness Of Risk For Oceans and Ocean Acidificationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Gauging perceptions of ocean acidification in Alaska

et al. 2015

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a b s t r a c tWhile ocean acidification (OA) poses a significant threat to ocean-related ecosystems and communities reliant on marine fisheries, aquaculture, and coral reef systems, limited public understanding and awareness can prevent coastal regions from being able to adequately assess the need for OA adaptation or mitigation. This study assessed public understanding of OA and how social and demographic factors influence the public's concern for OA. The analysis was based on 311 questionnaires from full-time Alaska residents. The results showed that most Alaskans self-reported to have a basic awareness of OA, and subsequently were able to recognize that CO 2 emissions related to human activity are the dominant driver of changing ocean conditions. However, there was a low recognition of how natural variability in the marine environment affects OA, and most respondents were not very confident in their understanding of OA-related science. Moreover, even though many communities in Alaska are reliant on commercial and subsistence fishing activities, the respondents had a low awareness of fisheries-related OA risk. Given the ongoing debate associated with climate change research, evaluating CO 2 mitigation efforts through the perspective of OA could give individuals an unbiased way to assess the pros and cons of more intensive efforts to curb CO 2 emissions. Furthermore, using OA communication to enhance the understanding of how natural variability influences OA around the state and the potential economic implications for Alaska fisheries would help residents and stakeholders make informed decisions when considering fisheries management plans, food security, and job diversity as OA intensifies. Solidifying the understanding that any reduction in pH and intensification of OA can have implications for marine species that are irreversible on human timescales will reinforce not only that OA is an immediate concern, but also the importance of taking action now.

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“…To promote action on ocean acidification in a politically conservative environment, placing it in a cost-benefit context seems to provide an opportunity to compare it with other issues as well as to connect faces of local businesspeople with the issue. Stories help personalize these issues, greatly increasing their relevance and ability to be remembered for not only environmental activism (Kelly et al, 2014), but other fields involving behavioral change such as business marketing (Escalas, 2004), public health (Hinyard and Kreuter, 2007), and philanthropy (Maclean et al, 2013). Politically liberal environments like Washington and other West Coast states seem more receptive to taking initial action on emerging science and environmental concerns as part of a broader philosophy of environmental engagement (Hoffman, 2011).…”

Section: Discussion: Emerging Themesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For example, communities were galvanized to action very quickly in the Pacific Northwest United States (Barton et al, 2015), when ocean acidification jeopardized the existence of the region's lucrative and culturally iconic Pacific oyster aquaculture industry. Industry leaders quickly became activists in speaking out for action on this emerging issue (Kelly et al, 2014;Barton et al, 2015). The economic and cultural importance of the aquaculture industry forced decision makers to listen and respond.…”

Section: Why Act At the Community Level?mentioning

confidence: 99%