KlimaCampus Kolloquium: Going Beyond Research: A Large-scale Investigation of Climate Change Engagement of Scientists
Climate change is one of the greatest threats facing humanity. Scientists are well-positioned to help address it beyond conducting academic research, yet little is known about their engagement with the issue. In this talk, I will discuss scientists’ engagement with climate change based on a large-scale survey of 9,220 scientists across 115 countries, all disciplines, and all career stages. We examined scientists' beliefs about their role - and the role of scientific institutions - in addressing climate change as well as their engagement in climate actions. These actions include forms of advocacy and activism ranging from signing petitions to engaging in civil disobedience and high-impact lifestyle changes such as reducing flying or adopting a plant-rich diet. Based on quantitative and qualitative analyses, I will discuss a two-step model that captures the intellectual and practical barriers scientists face when engaging in advocacy and protest. I will also discuss ongoing experimental research on how scientists’ participation in protest affects climate policy support and public perceptions of scientific credibility. This talk aims to highlight the opportunities and challenges for scientists in advancing climate action, and to stimulate discussion about our role on a planet in crisis.
Date
14.11.2024
Time
15:15 h
Place
- Bundesstr. 53, room 022/023
- Seminar Room 022/023, Ground Floor, Bundesstrasse 53, 20146 Hamburg, Hamburg