Analysis of US Public Perceptions of Climate Change and Energy

Conservation organizations around the world are constantly communicating the urgency of dealing with climate change, and although we have seen some action at the state and regional level, we have seen relatively little change in the behavior of the US public in response to this threat. Dozens of organizations have surveyed public opinion on the topic, as well as assessed trends in public opinion and public actions. This internship will summarize existing literature on (a) public awareness of the issue of global warming; (b) public understanding of the causes of global warming; (c) public perceptions of the need to reduce energy consumption in their appliances and other purchases, including public awareness of the energy star program; (d) positive behaviors that have been adopted to reduce energy consumption; (e) barriers to public action to reduce individual energy consumption; and (f) public understanding of the impacts of global warming. Based on this literature review, the intern will design a set of questions that WWF should address through focus groups and surveys, in preparation for future public campaigns on climate change. Requirements: degree in a social science; familiarity with focus group and/or survey methods; knowledge of climate change science and policy; and an interest in biodiversity conservation.

Stipend: Modest stipend

Due date for CV and cover letter: April 1, 2008

Contact: Keya Chatterjee (keya.chatterjee@wwfus.org)

Species Program