Seasons Gone By: An Examination of Perceptions of Past Weather and Views on Global Warming

CLOSUP Working Paper Series Number 37 June 2015

Seasons Gone By: An Examination of Individual Perceptions of Past Weather and Their Views on Global Warming Christopher Borick, Muhlenberg College Erick Lachapelle, University of Montreal Barry G. Rabe, University of Michigan

This paper is available online at http://closup.umich.edu

Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Center for Local, State, and Urban Policy or any sponsoring agency

Center for Local, State, and Urban Policy Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy University of Michigan

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook

Seasons Gone By: An Examination of Perceptions of Past Weather and Views on Global Warming

Published on Jun 30, 2015

CLOSUP U-M

In this study we examine the ability of individuals to accurately assess recent weather conditions in relation to historical norms, and validate the veracity of such assessments, with reference to instrumental temperature data. We then examine the relationship between individual assessments of local weather and perceptions of evidence of global warming. We find that subjective perceptions of seasonal temperatures are influenced not only by external climatic conditions but also, and more importantly, by attitudes toward the existence of global warming. The empirical bases of this study draws from surveys conducted in the United States and Canada during the fall of 2014 as part of the National Surveys on Energy and the Environment (NSEE).

Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.