How have the media influenced the public on their opinions on climate change?

Abstract

Climate change is a major issue of the 21st century and has the potential to
bring about the next climate stage. However, the general publics’ current
understanding is poor, and this is adding to the problem. People are unwilling to
sacrifice parts of there lifestyle for something they know little about, most getting
their information from the media. The media has a huge amount of power over
the general public, especially on this issue. The researcher aimed to find how
much of a negative impact their exaggerated and dramatic stories are having on
the public.
The researcher found a direct link between understanding of the subject and
heightened risk perceptions. There was also a clear relationship between
education on the subject and concern, indicating the new curriculum guidelines
on this topic might enhance how future generations’ value their environment.
Although the researcher concluded that 60% of the public believe that the
media do not exaggerate, most of these read broadsheet newspapers;
newspapers with a more scientific approach. In all, the researcher was proved
wrong, as she found that most people are concerned about climate change
even though their main source for climate change information is the media.