Framing the issue of climate change, the beliefs of Canadian environmental non-government organizations and the energy industry

Abstract

Previous studies surveying beliefs of climate change frequently focused on the public and experts in order to improve decision-making and communication. These studies were developed using a social demographics framework and a mental models approach. This study is informed by social-constructionism. From this perspective, the issue of human-induced climate change is not defined by indisputable objective conditions on changes in climate system alone but is "constructed" by a subjective process of dialogue involving various groups as claims-makers. These groups have different "worldviews" or frameworks of assumptions and priorities that influence how they discover, interpret, define and solve an issue. These differences may lead to contested positions on whether the issue is dangerous and requires remedial action.

This study audits the climate change beliefs and environmental values of two social groups or "claims-makers" -- ENGOs and energy-related industry -- to understand their framing of the issue of climate change. A framework of key hemes and associated attributes or factor was developed to guide the survey instrument design and data analysis. The themes are socio-demographic characteristics, environmental values, awareness of and knowledge on climate change, responsibility for action and information needs. Statistically significant differences were found between the two groups.

ENGOs have a strong ecological worldview while the energy industry exhibited orientations ranging from ecological to anthropocentric. These groups are polarized in their beliefs on technology as a beneficial solution. Energy industry respondents have strong beliefs in the capabilities of science and technology and human ingenuity to deal with ecological problems.

The ENGOs and energy industry respondents had the same length of exposure to the issue and similar frequency of exposure to climate change information; they are considered equally aware. ENGOs have a greater belief that climate change will occur - some reported that it is already happening. The energy industry is ambivalent. Some respondents focussed on the "natural" processes of climate change and questioned whether human-caused climate change is real.

Sea level rise, drought and flooding emerged as most likely threats common to both groups. But, climate change was not perceived as personally dangerous. Both groups thought that the negative impacts of climate change were more likely to occur elsewhere and to someone else rather than to themselves. The energy industry reported that there would be 'no effect' to most economic sectors. ENGOs and energy industry respondents differed significantly in their assignment of responsibility for action: individuals are most responsible from an energy industry perspective while ENGOs think industry is primarily responsible.

An audit of the beliefs and values of ENGOs and the energy industry contributes to understanding these claims-makers' positions and the strategic implications of agreement and disagreement in developing and implementing policy on the climate change issue.