This study investigates how pluralistic ignorance, the misperception of in-group support for climate change action, differs between Republican supporters and opponents of climate policies. A survey of 1000 Republican voters revealed that misperception of in-group support is primarily restricted to Republicans already opposed to climate action. Those opposed to action erroneously perceived other Republicans as holding similar views, while supporters recognized broader Republican support. The study suggests that the information environment, disproportionately portraying Republicans as opposed to climate change, may discourage supporters from expressing their views.

Graham Dixon, Christopher Clarke, Jeffrey Jacquet, Darrick T. N. Evensen, P. Sol Hart