M. V. Rajeev Gowda|Jeffrey C. Fox|Robin D. Magelky
Students' Understanding of Climate Change: Insights for Scientists and Educators
teachers meteorologists among respected purveyors scientific information public play influential role educating public basic atmosphererelated phenomena better fulfill educational role necessary identify ii correct peoples major misconceptions climatic atmospheric issues including global climate change paper reports results survey high school students knowledge attitudes climate change authors use openended survey questions gain comprehensive understanding range mistakes made results show misconceptions including inflated estimates temperature change confusion ozone depletion global warming perception warmer weather belief environmentally harmful acts cause climate change also discussed origin mistakes perspective current social scientific literature suggested misconceptions arise low levels information reliance televised news media use judgmental heuristics confusion weather climate fuzzy environmentalism wherein students perceive disparate environmental harms significantly interrelated study also reveals students high level trust scientists teachers suggests role scientists educators help correct misconceptions climate change ensure people adopt effective environmentally protective measures