
Public Attitudes on Climate Change
Nikhar Gaikwad (Assistant Professor from Columbia University) and Noah Zucker (Assistant Professor from London School of Economics)
This climate change project, is designed to investigate public attitudes and behaviors critical societal and environmental issues, particularly climate change. The study aims to understand how individuals weigh local needs, such as infrastructure development, against broader global concerns like climate mitigation. By utilizing media interventions—such as videos and articles—the project evaluates how exposure to climate-related information affects political and social preferences, as well as the public’s engagement in climate advocacy.
The project is structured in phases, beginning with a baseline survey to capture initial social
and political attitudes. Participants are then exposed to targeted media content that introduces new perspectives on climate change and related social issues. Finally, an endline survey is conducted to measure changes in participants' views following the media interventions. The study covers various regions across India, including Maharashtra and Rajasthan, providing a diverse sample for analysis.
The ultimate goal is to generate insights that will help policymakers and researchers understand the factors driving public opinion on climate issues. These insights will contribute to shaping more effective policies and discussions on climate action and sustainable community development. The findings will also explore how media exposure can serve as a tool for fostering greater public engagement in addressing environmental
challenges.
Location: Maharashtra and Rajasthan