Perceptions of climate change risks and mitigation behaviors : understanding inconsistencies between representations and action

Citizens’ awareness of risks and responsibilities regarding climate change suggests that they can see themselves as agents of social change both in their daily lives and as part of a knowledgeable public opinion. However, research has shown that individual behavior to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions is not consistent with such awareness. A survey study with a sample of Portuguese university students investigated the relation between knowledge of climate change and perception of risks, attributions of responsibility for performing mitigation actions, and individuals’ behavioral intentions and reported behaviors. Results show a moderate level of knowledge, a moderate-high level of concern and a moderate-high level of risk perception. Responsibilities are attributed to different agents, including the individual respondent, but there is resistance to some measures and a low level of reported individual behavior. This study has also aimed to analyze practices of media consumption, as well as the use of other sources of information, and people’s perception of those sources. The news media, especially television, are reported to be the main sources of information on climate change and respondents make a positive assessment of their credibility. Inconsistencies between social representations and behaviors are discussed in relation to the communication of climate change in Portugal both in conventional media and the internet.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) - POCTI/COM/56973/2004 Projecto ‘The Politics of Climate Change: Discourses and Representations