How tailored climate information affects attitudes towards climate policy and psychological distance of climate change

This study investigates how personally tailored climate impact information affects attitudes towards climate policy paths and the psychological distance of climate change. An online tool depicting downscaled climate model outcomes and personalized vulnerability estimates was developed. A Finnish public survey measured attitudes towards climate policies and psychological distance before and after using the tool. Tailored information increased climate impact knowledge, but the effect on policy attitudes depended on demographics (age, income) and personal vulnerability. Post-tool use showed increased knowledge confidence and higher perceived policy effectiveness. Most respondents perceived climate impacts as spatially proximal, but temporal and social distance varied. Low vulnerability respondents perceived greater distance after using the tool.

Mira Hulkkonen, Tero Mielonen, Saara Leppänen, Anton Laakso, Harri Kokkola