Rebecca Perry-Hill

The climate change consensus extends beyond climate scientists

The existence of anthropogenic climate change remains a public controversy despite the consensus among climate scientists. The controversy may be fed by the existence of scientists from other disciplines publicly casting doubt on the validity of climate science. The extent to which non-climate scientists are skeptical of climate science has not been studied via direct survey. Here we report on a survey of biophysical scientists across disciplines at universities in the Big 10 Conference. Most respondents (93.6%) believe that mean temperatures have risen and most (91.9%) believe in an anthropogenic contribution to rising temperatures. Respondents strongly believe that climate science is credible (mean credibility score 6.67/7). Those who disagree about climate change disagree over basic facts (e.g., the effects of CO2 on climate) and have different cultural and political values. These results suggest that scientists who are climate change skeptics are outliers and that the majority of scientists surveyed believe in anthropogenic climate change and that climate science is credible and mature.

Comparing Random Sample Q and R Methods for Understanding Natural Resource Attitudes

This study collects data on community views of the Wabash River in north-central Indiana using 36 representative statements. The statements were incorporated into two different formats: (1) a standard survey, or Likert-type, instrument and (2) a Q-methodology instrument for mailed distribution to two separate random samples of community residents, which allowed for comparing the results of these methodologies. The data were analyzed using factor analysis techniques. The analysis revealed that under identical sampling conditions, the results of Q and R methodologies are similar. Additional discussion focuses on the similarities and differences of these results and how Q methodology can contribute to our understanding of community attitudes toward natural resources.

The influence of basic beliefs and object-specific attitudes on behavioural intentions towards a rare and little-known amphibian

Abstract Context. Given the decline in amphibian populations worldwide, it is essential to build a better understanding of human behaviours that jeopardise their survival. Much of the literature regarding the social–psychological determinants of behaviours related to wildlife has focussed solely on general wildlife beliefs rather than specific attitudes towards a particular species. Aims. The goal of this study was to assess how individuals’ behavioural intentions towards a rare and little-known species, the hellbender salamander (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis), are influenced by their attitudes towards the animal and their more general beliefs about wildlife. Methods. Questionnaires were distributed to landowners in Missouri (n = 1 065) and Indiana (n = 1 378) in counties where the hellbender is known to exist. A multinomial logit regression model was used to assess the relationship between basic wildlife beliefs, species-specific attitudes and behavioural intentions towards the hellbender. Key results. The response rate was 36.6% in Missouri and 41.0% in Indiana. The more value individuals placed on non-hunting wildlife experiences, the less likely they were to say they would engage in a behaviour harmful to the animal (β = –0.47, P = 0.030). The more negative the attitudes towards the hellbender held by individuals, the less likely they were to say they would remove the hook (β = –0.55, P < 0.001), put the animal back (β = –0.77, P < 0.001), or call a resource professional (β = –0.33, P = 0.023). A comparison of the Akaike information criterion (AIC) scores and model log-likelihood values without (AIC = 2 858.36; LLV = –1 395.18) and with (AIC = 2 232.60; LLV = –1 077.30) the species-specific attitude measure showed that its inclusion improved the model. Conclusions. Positive attitudes towards the hellbender and mutualistic wildlife beliefs were related to non-detrimental behavioural intentions. However, attitudes towards the animal were found to be a stronger and more consistent predictor of behavioural intentions than basic wildlife beliefs. Implications. Efforts to conserve rare or little-known species should focus outreach strategies on developing positive attitudes towards these species, so as to achieve desired changes in behaviour.

Conserving the Eastern Hellbender Salamander

Through a mail survey of 541 residents and riparian landowners in the area surrounding the Blue River watershed of southern Indiana, we examined perceptions and intended behaviors toward the eastern hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis), an aquatic salamander experiencing drastic population declines due to anthropogenic causes. While anecdotal reports attribute hellbender mortality and removal to anglers and pet collectors, only 5% of respondents reported these negative behaviors. Misconceptions among anglers and the general public about the eastern hellbender were less prevalent than anticipated. Anglers, recreational boaters, riparian landowners, and respondents who were previously familiar with the hellbender displayed more positive attitudes toward the animal than other groupings of individuals. Data collected in this article shaped a detailed education and outreach campaign based on the principles of community-based social marketing.

Assessing Vulnerabilities and Adaptation Approaches: Useful to Usable Tools

Gaining a better understanding of farmers’ vulnerabilities and adaptive capacities is essential for developing climate information they can and will use to adapt. This chapter reviews empirical literature related to the use of season climate forecasts for the farming community around the world. It examines different social science methodologies that can and have been used to assess vulnerabilities of farming households and their adaptive capacities.