“Preserving the American Way of Life: How Framing Climate Change as Patriotic Can Unite Conservatives and Liberals”
The study conducted by Katherine Mason, a doctoral student at New York University, and her colleagues, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), sheds light on a new approach to addressing climate change that may bridge the gap between conservatives and liberals. The research involved 50,000 participants across 60 countries and focused on framing climate action as a way to protect and preserve patriotic values and the American “way of life.”
The findings revealed that presenting climate change as a threat to cherished cultural traditions and emphasizing the need for patriotic, pro-environmental action can increase belief in climate change and support for environmental policies among both conservatives and liberals in the United States. This approach was also effective among conservatives in Israel and Chile, as well as liberals in France and Chile. However, it backfired among conservatives in Belgium, Germany, and Russia.
The study highlighted the importance of avoiding doomsday scenarios and radical calls for overhauling the socioeconomic system in climate change messaging. Instead, focusing on preserving the status quo and celebrating national heritage may be more effective in engaging a broader audience and motivating action.
Participants in the study were given a common definition of climate change and then exposed to either a control condition or a framing condition, where they read a message emphasizing the connection between the nation’s way of life and the need for patriotic, pro-environmental action. The results showed that those who read the patriotic/status quo message exhibited increased belief in climate change, greater support for environmental policies, and a higher willingness to share climate information on social media.
The researchers emphasized the importance of tailoring climate change messaging to align with people’s pre-existing values and beliefs. By appealing to individuals’ preferences for maintaining the status quo, climate awareness and action can be improved among both conservatives and liberals.
Overall, the study provides valuable insights into effective communication strategies for addressing climate change and promoting environmental policies. By reframing the narrative around climate action as a way to protect national heritage and cultural traditions, it may be possible to garner broader support and engagement across the political spectrum.