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Title, Author, Year |
Description |
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Climate Change in the
American Mind: Americans’ Global Warming Beliefs and Attitudes in June 2010
Leiserowitz, A., Maibach, E., Roser-Renouf, C., & Smith, N. (with Yale University and George
Mason University) 2010 |
This national survey collected information about Americans’ opinions on climate change. It asks questions about their belief in climate change, their level of worry, trustworthy sources of climate information, and their predictions for the future. The study shows opinions over time (June 2010, January 2010, November 2008), and political identity. |
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GENERATION M2 - Media in the Lives of 8- to 18-Year-Olds
Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation 2010 |
This study regarding the use of media by teens and tweens demonstrates the powerful force of various media in young people’s lives. The report found that teens and tweens spend more time with media than in any other activity besides (maybe) sleeping — an average of more than 7½ hours a day, seven days a week. It includes much useful information like the types of media youth use, which they own, how much time they spend with each medium, which activities they engage in, how often they multitask, and how they differ from one another in the patterns of their media
use. |
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Social Media and Young Adults - Social Media & Mobile Internet Use Among Today's Teens and Young Adults
Pew Research Center 2010 |
This report is part of a PRC series of reports exploring the behaviors, values and opinions of the teens and twenty-somethings that make up the Millennial Generation. It presents findings on 2000-2009 trends in the use of social networking sites, features, and applications such as Twitter; method of Internet access; frequency of use, and online purchases and other activities by age group, race/ethnicity, and gender.
According to the report, almost all Millennials (93%) go online, but there has been a decline in blogging among younger Americans. Millennials, however, are increasingly connecting to the internet wirelessly (81% are now) and nearly three in four of those who go online use social networking sites. |
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Millennials: Confident. Connected. Open to Change.
Pew Research Center 2010 |
Generations, like people, have personalities, and Millennials -- the American teens and twenty-somethings who are making the passage into adulthood at the start of a new millennium -- have begun to forge theirs: confident, self-expressive, liberal, upbeat and open to change. They are more ethnically and racially diverse than older adults. They're less religious, less likely to have served in the military, and are on track to become the most educated generation in American history. For environment-specific findings, see "Going Green" in Chapter 7: Lifestyle. |
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Climate Change in the
American Mind: Public Support for Climate & Energy Policies in June 2010
Leiserowitz, A., Maibach, E., Smith, N., & Roser-Renouf, C., (with Yale University and George Mason University) 2010 |
This national survey reports the general opinion of Americans on climate change and renewable energy. It investigates how strongly Americans feel about these issues, what levels of government they feel should be involved, and touches on how Americans react to the economic aspects of energy policy. The study shows the difference in opinions over time (June 2010, January 2010, November 2008), and political identity. |
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Global Warming's Six Americas, January 2010
Leiserowitz, A., Maibach, E., & Roser-Renouf, C., (with Yale University and George Mason University) 2010 |
Public concern about global warming has dropped sharply since the fall of 2008, according to the results of a national survey designed by researchers at Yale and George Mason universities and conducted from December 23, 2009, to January 3, 2010, by Knowledge Networks, using an online research panel of American adults. In line with these shifting beliefs, there has been an increase in the number of Americans who think global warming will never harm people in the United States or elsewhere or other species. Subsequent reports on public beliefs and attitudes, support for climate and energy policies, and more can be downloaded from the Yale Project on Climate Change: http://environment.yale.edu/climate/
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Climate Communications and Behavior Change: A Guide for Practitioners
Pike, Cara, Doppelt, Bob, and Meredith Herr(The Social Capital Project at The Climate Leadership Initiative)
2010 |
This guide distills the extensive global warming, behavior change, and communications research and practitioner expertise into tools and recommendations that climate leaders can easily apply. It illustrates the challenges with existing communications efforts and provides tips on how to frame and deliver outreach efforts in a way that motivates changes in thinking and behavior. The guide also offers detailed advice and tips on how to frame global warming communications and promote behavior change in ways that resonate with a range of audience segments. |
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The Climate Change Generation? Survey Analysis of the Perceptions and Beliefs of Young Americans
Feldman, L., Nisbet, M., Leiserowitz, A., & Maibach, E. (With Yale University, George Mason University, and American University) 2010 |
This national survey investigates the climate change opinions of adult Americans between the ages of 18-34. The study found that this group is generally more disengaged and thinks less about climate change than their older counterparts. However, they are more likely to believe climate change is caused by humans, more optimistic about taking action, and more trusting of scientific experts on the subject. They are also distrusting of the mainstream media. The study also shows how the targeted group’s opinions compare to the opinions of several other age groups (national average, 35-59 years and 60+ years). |
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Now Hear This: The Nine Laws of Successful Advocacy Communications
Fenton Communications 2009 |
This report offers insights and strategic marketing recommendations for nonprofits striving to influence public opinion and effect important social change. |
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Climate Change in the American Mind: Americans’ Climate Change Beliefs, Attitudes,
Policy Preferences, and Actions
Yale Project on Climate Change
George Mason University Center for Climate Change Communication 2009 |
This report identifies Global Warming's Six Americas: six unique audiences within the American public that each responds to the issue in their own distinct way. The six audiences; alarmed, concerned, cautious, disengaged, doubtful and dismissive, were identified using a large nationally representative survey of American adults conducted in the fall of 2008. The survey questionnaire included extensive, in-depth measures of the public's climate change beliefs, attitudes, risk perceptions, motivations, values, policy preferences, behaviors, and underlying barriers to action. This report introduces these Six Americas by briefly describing each audience and highlighting how they differ from one another; it concludes with detailed demographic, attitudinal, and behavioral profiles of each group. |
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Climate Change Wildlife and Wildlands
U.S. Global Change Research Program 2009 |
This kit is designed for classroom teachers and informal educators in parks, refuges, forest lands, nature centers, zoos, aquariums, science centers, etc., and is aimed at the middle school grade level. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in partnership with six other federal agencies (National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, USDA/Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management), developed the kit to aid educators in teaching how climate change is affecting our nation’s wildlife and public lands, and how everyone can become “climate stewards.” |
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America, the Ocean, and Climate Change: New Research Insights for Conservation, Awareness, and Action - Executive Summary
The Ocean Project (conducted by IMPACTS) 2009 |
The Ocean Project completed a major survey in late 2008 on public awareness, attitudes, and behaviors concerning the ocean, climate change, and related issues. With funding from NOAA and in collaboration with the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the National Aquarium in Baltimore, The Ocean Project survey produced a massive amount of data gathered from more than 22,000 respondents in the United States. This report distills the survey findings and implications into a two-page summary to help aquariums, zoos, museums, and others more effectively advance ocean conservation. |
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America, the Ocean, and Climate Change: New Research Insights for Conservation, Awareness, and Action - Key Findings
The Ocean Project (conducted by IMPACTS) 2009 |
In late 2008, The Ocean Project completed a major survey on public awareness, attitudes, and behaviors concerning the ocean, climate change, and related issues. With funding from NOAA and in collaboration with the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the National Aquarium in Baltimore, The Ocean Project survey produced a massive amount of data gathered from more than 22,000 respondents in the United States. This report distills the survey findings and implications into a succinct, actionable compilation to help aquariums, zoos, museums, and others more effectively advance ocean conservation. |
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America, the Ocean, and Climate Change:
Presentation of Findings
The Ocean Project (conducted by IMPACTS) 2009 |
This PowerPoint presentation summarizes some of the major findings and implications from The Ocean Project's 2008 national survey. The findings and implications are meant to help aquariums, zoos, museums, and others more effectively advance ocean conservation. |
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Global Warming's "Six Americas" - An Audience Segmentation
Yale Project on Climate Change and Mason University Center for Climate Change Communication 2009 |
This research on effective messaging to Americans regarding climate change actions finds six discrete audience segments - from strongly engaged to completely dismissive of climate change as a threat - with different concerns, needs, values, and motivations. The report suggests ways to carefully target each of these six different audiences. |
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Greendex 2009: Consumer Choice and the
Environment – A Worldwide Tracking Survey
National Geographic (GlobeScan)
2009 |
This National Geographic Society and GlobeScan tool measures and compares individual consumer behavior as it relates to the environment, including sustainable consumption and behavior among consumers in 14 countries. This first-of-its-kind study reveals surprising differences between consumers in developed and developing countries in terms of environmentally friendly actions. |
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The Psychology of Climate Change Communication
Center for Research on Environmental Decisions at Columbia University 2009 |
This guide addresses the difficulties that individuals and groups have in processing and responding effectively to the information surrounding long-term and complex societal challenges, such as climate change. It looks at how people process information and decide to take action, or not. The guide details many of the biases and barriers to scientific communication and information processing. Using research into the reactions of groups as disparate as African farmers and conservative U.S. voters, it offers insights on how scientists, educators, journalists and others can effectively connect with the wider world and help society take the actions needed to respond with urgency and accuracy to this critical issue for all of us. |
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The Psychology of Sustainable Behavior Handbook
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency 2009 |
The authors of this handbook provide seven tips, based on what has been shown to work in peer-reviewed research, to help empower sustainability in your personal life, community, and workplace. It begins with an overview of sustainable behavior and then describes how what we know from psychology can inform the way we conduct environmental campaigns and make policy decisions. It also includes recommendations on how these tips can be carried out in the real world. |
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Discovering The Activation Point
Spitfire Strategies 2009 |
A companion document to the Spitfire Smart Chart 3.0, The Activation Point addresses specific strategies and best practices to help non-profits mobilize the public. It includes 11 in-depth case studies of successful/unsuccessful non-profit efforts, literature review, relevant public opinion research, and more. |
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Foursquare Communications
Spitfire Strategies 2009 |
Foursquare Communications stresses strategy over tactics when developing a non-profit communication plan. It helps non-profits communicate as effectively as possible by laying out best practices (through the foursquare concept), asking the reader to review how their own organization conducts its communications, and detailing what they can do to make their program as effective as possible. |
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Building Communications Capacity
Spitfire Strategies 2009 |
According to a survey done by the Communications Leadership Institute, the top 3 communications challenges among nonprofits are lack of knowledge, limited staffing, and limited time. This easy-to-read pamphlet offers 12 lessons on how to improve communications capacity within non-profit organizations. The tips are practical and reported in sound-bite form to make them accessible to non-profit staff. |
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Just Enough Planning Guide
Spitfire Strategies 2009 |
This guide is built for flexibility. This online interactive tool compiles advice from expert campaigners on how to plan a good campaign that stays on track, maximizes use of resources, and doesn’t get bogged down in the planning process. The service ranges from an overview to a full-service campaign planning guide. |
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Smart Chart 3.0
Spitfire Strategies 2008 |
The Smart Chart 3.0, which is similar to a flow chart, walks the reader through six major strategic decision sections (including Strategic Choices, Communications Activities, Measurements of Success and more) to develop a broad strategy for non-profit communication campaigns. In addition to the tool itself, the accompanying document is chock-full of best practices and case studies for effective communication and ideas for guided discussion within organizations. |
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Public Awareness, Attitudes, and Behaviors Concerning Global Climate Change
The Ocean Project 2008 |
This PowerPoint presentation offers excerpts from research by IMPACTS for a collaborative project between The Ocean Project, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and the National Aquarium in Baltimore. It was presented at the “Communicating Climate Change and the Oceans” Summit, Monterey, California, in December 2008. |
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Climate Crossroads
Social Capital Project: Earth Justice 2008 |
Climate Crossroads is a research-based framing guide based on a meta-analysis of more than 70 research sources as well as focus groups, polling, and practitioner input from more than 25 environmental and climate organizations. The guide provides communications strategies for connecting with Americans who are concerned about, but not yet engaged in global warming issues.
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Weathercocks and Signposts: The Environment Movement at a Crossroads
World Wildlife Fund - Tom Crompton 2008 |
This report critically reassesses current approaches to motivating environmentally-friendly behavior change. This report argues that tackling environmental challenges will demand engagement with the values that underlie the decisions we make and with our sense of who we are. |
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Cultivating the Green Consumer
Sheila Bonini and Jeremy Oppenheim 2008 |
This article in the Stanford Social Innovation Review referencing a 2007 McKinsey & Company global survey of 7,751 consumers in eight major economies reports that most consumers are concerned about the environmental and social impacts of the products they buy. Consumers say they want to buy ecologically friendly products and reduce their impact on the environment. But when they get to the cash register, their Earth-minded sentiments die on the vine. Although individual quirks underlie some of this hypocrisy, businesses can do a lot more to help would-be green consumers turn their talk into walk. |
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Communicating Climate Change and the Oceans Summit
Summary of U.S. Aquarium Research
Monterey Bay Aquarium (Edge Research) 2008 |
This summary contains much valuable information about what some of the summit participants are doing, or planning, to address climate change and ocean health.
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The Impact of Science & Discovery Centres
- A review of worldwide studies
Ecsite-uk 2008 |
This review summarizes and highlights recent research into the impact of science and technology museums, zoos, aquariums, and science centers, referred to in the report as “Science & Discovery Centres.” Collectively, studies from around the world show that these informal education centers can: - increase visitors’ knowledge and understanding of science; - provide memorable learning experiences which can have a lasting impact on attitudes and behavior; - have wide-ranging personal and social impacts; - promote trust and understanding between the public and the scientific community; and have an economic impact. (Ecsite-uk is affiliated with ECSITE, the European Collaborative of Science, Industry and Technology Exhibitions) |
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Rising Environmental Concern in 47-Nation Survey
Pew Global Attitudes Project 2007 |
This report contains public opinions gathered from 47 nations on global climate change, including the world`s public opinion of which nations hold the most the blame for pollution and climate change. |
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The Rowan Report
Rowan, Colin 2007 |
A blog providing best practices, tips and success-stories about communicating in the non-profit industry by Colin Rowan, a veteran public interest communicator. |
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Beyond Bullet Points
Atkinson, Cliff 2007 |
Cliff Atkinson is said to be one of the best PowerPoint designers around. His book describes a three-step approach for how to create an engaging PowerPoint presentation. |
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Why Zoos and Aquariums Matter: Assessing the Impact of a Visit to a Zoo or Aquarium
Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) 2007 |
AZA partnered with the Institute of Learning Innovation (ILI) and the Monterey Bay Aquarium to conduct a three-year, nationwide study that included more than 5,500 visitors from 12 AZA-accredited institutions. This study investigated the impacts zoo or aquarium visits have on the conservation attitudes and understanding of adult visitors and results demonstrate that these visits enhance the understanding of wildlife and the conservation of the places animals live. The results found that visiting a zoo or aquarium has a direct impact on how people view themselves as part of the solution, and helps them identify environmental problems. The survey also found that zoos and aquariums support and reinforce the values and attitudes of the visitor. Furthermore, the study found that visitors arrive at zoos and aquariums with specific identity-related motivations and these motivations directly impact how they conduct their visit and what meaning they derive from the experience.
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Journey to Planet Earth: The State of the Ocean’s Animals, Summative Evaluation
Screenscope, Inc. and American Association for the Advancement of Science (conducted by Goodman Research Group) 2007 |
An evaluation of the influence of the State of the Ocean’s Animals program on a sample of TV viewers, and the scope and impact of the outreach programs conducted by the museums and science centers. Overall assessments of the TV and outreach programs were overwhelmingly positive and both were effective in increasing knowledge and interest in environmental issues. The report includes recommendations for further improving and broadening the reach of similar programs. |
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Environmental Sustainability Report
Umbria 2007 |
Umbria’s research shows that consumers are increasingly discussing environmental issues in online social media, with nearly 10,000 mentions per week over the course of the summer months.
Answers the key questions: Who is taking about the environment? What are the key issues and topics? Why are bloggers engaged in the conversation? How are bloggers taking action?
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International Polling on Climate Change - A WorldPublicOpinion.org Analysis
WorldPublicOpinion.org, a project of the Program on International Policy Attitudes 2007 |
A new analysis of 11 recent international polls on climate change conducted around the world by BBC/GlobeScan/PIPA, the Pew Research Center, GlobeScan, WorldPublicOpinion.org/Chicago Council on Global Affairs, the German Marshall Fund, and Eurobarometer. Analysis shows high international awareness, acceptance of climate change as a human caused problem, and support for taking strong action. Analysis also covers public opinion on options for confronting climate change. |
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AZA Professionals Survey: Knowledge and Perceptions about Assessing the Value of Zoos and Aquariums
John Fraser and Jessica Sickler, Wildlife Conservation Society 2007 |
This survey, conducted by The Wildlife Conservation Society, was completed by 511 staff and managers at 158 AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums nationwide to assess the public value of a zoo or aquarium in the community. The results suggest that professionals are interested in knowing how their local communities value them and in gaining the skills to conduct visitor study methods to obtain this information. The survey also finds that the size of the institution and the role of the professional matters in terms of determining skill sets. For a copy of this report, contact John Fraser atjfraser@wcs.org. |
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Getting Your Feet Wet with Social Marketing: A Guide for Watershed Programs
Jack Wilbur for the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. 2006 |
The first eight chapters of this book walk the reader through the social marketing process using water examples from Utah and throughout the country. The final four chapters offer short case studies of successful water-related social marketing efforts. The appendices are filled with worksheets, checklists, lists of additional resources and samples of audience research documents. |
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Conference on Ocean Literacy Report
National Marine Sanctuary Foundation 2006 |
The national Conference on Ocean Literacy, held in June 2006, brought together experts to help lay the groundwork for developing a national strategy for creating an ocean-literate society. The participants addressed formal and informal educational activities, and looked for ways to facilitate links among federal, state, local and nongovernmental programs designed to enhance ocean stewardship. |
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American Opportunity: A Communications Toolkit
The Opportunity Agenda and The SPIN Project
2006 |
This toolkit is intended to help leaders and organizers working on a wide range of social justice issues begin to leverage the core American value of “Opportunity for All” in their communications work. The theme of opportunity connects organizations working on a wide variety of issues, and it is designed to be echoed. This toolkit provides messages, stories, and tools you can incorporate into your work. |
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Breakthrough Strategies for Engaging the Public: Emerging Trends in Communications and Social Science
Biodiversity Project (Marian Farrior)
2005 |
This document provides an introduction to some trends in the fields of communications and social science that could benefit public education, engagement, and awareness campaign planners. Drawing from a variety of resources, this paper attempts to address the challenges faced when communicating about biodiversity and our environment. |
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Chesapeake Bay Social Marketing Initiative Final Report
Chesapeake Bay Social Marketing Initiative 2005 |
This final report for the Chesapeake Bay Social Marketing Initiative provides a clear outline of the Chesapeake Bay nutrient run-off problem each spring, and how social marketing was utilized to combat the problem. |
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Decision Making for the Environment: Social and Behavioral Science Research Priorities
Garry D. Brewer and Paul C. Stern 2005 |
With the growing number, complexity, and importance of environmental problems come demands to include a full range of intellectual disciplines and scholarly traditions to help define and eventually manage such problems more effectively. Decision Making for the Environment: Social and Behavioral Science Research Priorities is the result of a 2-year effort by 12 social and behavioral scientists, scholars, and practitioners. The report sets research priorities for the social and behavioral sciences as they relate to several different kinds of environmental problems. |
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Teaming with Wildlife Communications Initiative
2005 |
This message kit provides the tools to help educate the public about the need for more resources to support wildlife conservation and the crucial role that State Wildlife Action Plans will play in this effort.
This toolkit uses data from polling, focus groups, and other public-opinion research to provide you with universal messages and a customized strategic communications plan.
Although this messaging was designed to help promote each state's Wildlife Action Plan, much of the messaging and lessons learned can be applied to a wide variety of issues related to conservation.
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Wildlife National Survey
The Nature Conservancy, Trust For Public Land
2005 |
Survey conducted in connection with the State Wildlife Plans. Survey examines people’s connection to and knowledge of wildlife, attitudes and concerns about habitat loss, perceptions of threats to wildlife, support for wildlife conservation including the State Wildlife Plans, best language and messages for taking about wildlife conservation, and satisfaction with current government policies.
Survey conducted by Public Opinion Strategies (R) and Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin and Associates. |
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Understanding Environmental Literacy in America and Making it a Reality
The National Environmental Education & Training Foundation 2005 |
Summary of the state of / progress on environmental education in schools, the adult public, health care providers, and business managers. |
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How to Work With Public Opinion Research: A Guide for Human Rights and Civil Liberties Advocates and their Funders
Loren Siegel
2004 |
This guide gives advocates arguments and tools for integrating public opinion research into their communications work. |
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Review of Public Attitudes Towards Marine Issues Within and Beyond New Zealand
New Zealand Department of Conservation (Allison Arnold) 2004 |
This paper reviews research on public attitudes towards marine issues and considers the New Zealand Department of Conservation’s future research priorities in this area. The paper is based on a review of previous research undertaken by the Department and other local and central government agencies within and beyond New Zealand and discussions on research priorities with Department staff. For each study the key research findings and research methodologies are discussed. Possible research priorities for the Department and recommendations for further research on public attitudes towards marine issues are then outlined. |
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U.S. Survey Results on the Environment, Trade, and Campaign Finance Reform
Global Stewards 2004 |
This organization compiled results from a long list of separate polls and combined them to take the temperature of the nation on the issues of the environment, trade, and campaign finance reform. A good source of broad information on the American public`s thought process. |
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Getting Your Message Out Through the Media
Nedra Kline Weinreich 2004 |
A brief article with tips to help get your message across through standard media channels in a beneficial way. |
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The Marketplace for Sustainable Seafood: Growing Appetites and Shrinking Seas
Seafood Choices Alliance 2003 |
This report draws together known information on the US seafood market and fisheries and research on consumer attitudes towards seafood. Results show that while few Americans are knowledgeable about where their seafood comes from and the consequences of eating it, a significant number would be willing to support more sustainable options if they became available. |
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Getting in Step: A Guide For Conducting Watershed Outreach Campaigns
Environmental Protection Agency 2003 |
The purpose of this guide is to provide the tools needed to develop and implement an effective outreach campaign as part of a state or local water quality improvement effort. This guide takes people through a comprehensive six-step outreach process, from establishing goals to project evaluation. |
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Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History Ocean Hall Front-end evaluation
Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History (conducted by the Institute for Learning Innovation) 2003 |
Front-end exploratory evaluation in support of a new exhibit about the ocean. It is an interview-based assessment of museum visitors’ knowledge, attitudes, and interests related to the ocean.
Findings suggest that visitors have strong personal affinity for, and interest in the ocean. Visitors’ interests, however, were largely related to recreation or simply spending time at the beach. Although this is a positive indication that visitors will naturally be drawn to an exhibition about the ocean, it suggests that it may be difficult to make strong connections between what visitors are naturally interested in and more the in-depth content. |
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The Marketplace for Sustainable Seafood
Seafood Choices Alliance - SeaWeb 2003 |
This report draws together known information on the US seafood market and fisheries, combined with research on consumers’ and food professionals’ attitudes towards seafood. Results show that while few Americans are knowledgeable about where their seafood comes from and the consequences of eating it, a significant number would be willing to support more sustainable options if they became available. |
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Public Knowledge and Attitudes About Coral Reefs
The Coral Reef Foundation (now called The Ocean Foundation), The Munson Foundation, and SeaWeb 2002 |
This was the first nationwide public survey conducted on coral reef issues. The report, carried out by Edge Research, finds that although Americans feel they know little about coral reefs, they are concerned about reef health and are willing to take action to protect reefs, with all demographic and geographic groups strongly supporting the creation of protected areas. |
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Community Culture and the Environment: A Guide to Understanding a Sense of Place
Environmental Protection Agency 2002 |
Tools and methods for understanding the human dimension of environmental protection. It is designed to provide leaders in the environmental field a means for better understanding community values and processes as they relate to environmental issues, thus resulting in more effective partnerships and approaches to solving environmental problems. |
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Environmental and Educational Achievement: Promising Programs and Resources
The National Environmental Education & Training Foundation (NEETF) 2002 |
This report is intended as an introductory guide for those new to the environmental education field and the larger educational benefits it has to offer. The ten case studies illustrate particularly promising strategies and practices for integrating environmental education (EE) into educational settings. The stories include EE programs that incorporate elements of service-learning, comprehensive school reform, after-school, project-based learning, science integrated across the curriculum, and arts education. |
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Ethics for a Small Planet: A Communication Handbook on the Ethical and Theological Reasons for Protecting Biodiversity
The Biodiversity Project 2002 |
This handbook on the ethical and theological underpinnings of biodiversity conservation is meant to be a tool to open a broader conversation on the ethical considerations related to protecting species, habitat, and ecosystems. The purpose of this publication is to help biodiversity spokespersons understand the ethical and religious frameworks in which biodiversity issues are discussed so that they can communicate more effectively with the public. |
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Uses, values, stakeholders, and opinions associated with marine protected areas: A content analysis of new media, 1995 – 2001
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
2002 |
As a surrogate for public opinion polls, a media content analysis was performed for news stories related to marine protected areas. Specifically, the analysis considers expressions of knowledge, uses, values, and attitudes associated with marine protected areas, and the stakeholder groups involved in the discussion.
Ecological uses and values were expressed more often than social, recreational, and commercial uses and values. The results also identify gaps in the knowledge that can be addressed by ongoing and future MPA management efforts.
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Biodiversity in Pennsylvania: The State of Biodiversity in Pennsylvania in 2002
Pennsylvania Biodiversity Partnership
2002 |
Report contains information about public attitudes and knowledge concerning biodiversity and the state of biodiversity conservation in Pennsylvania.
While Pennsylvanians show overwhelming support for biodiversity conservation and most have an understanding of specific issues, they perceive themselves as not being knowledgeable about biodiversity. |
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Framing Public Issues Toolkit
FrameWorks Institute
2002 |
This Toolkit was created to help issues advocates learn and apply new communications thinking to frame their work for better public understanding and engagement to resolve social problems – whether for children and families in a particular state or for the global environment. The Toolkit explains each element of the frame (values, messengers, metaphors, context, etc.), and provides tools such as sample op/eds, speeches and mock interviews. |
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Lessons from the Environment: Why 95 % of Adult Americans Endorse Environmental Education
Roper Starch Worldwide, conducted for The National Environmental Education & Training Foundation (NEETF) 2001 |
The 2001 Annual National report Card on Environmental Attitudes, Knowledge, and Behavior examines why the overwhelming majority of adult Americans support environmental education in schools despite their own lack of environmental knowledge. Specifically they explored attitudes on balancing the environment and the economy, the state of environmental knowledge, and participation in environmental activities. |
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In the Spirit of Collaboration: A Presentation of The Ocean Project
The Ocean Project 2000 |
Based on comprehensive public opinion research, the presentation identifies underlying factors for a lack of greater ocean conservation action among the public.
Explains the tested elements of an effective ocean message and includes a strategy for developing public communications about the ocean that will increase awareness, concern, and lead to greater conservation action. Case studies of this strategy in action at aquariums and elsewhere are included.
The presentation also includes background information on The Ocean Project and its initiatives for this strategy to be applied at zoos, aquariums, museums, and conservation organizations. |
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The Millennium Survey
The Heartland Institute, conducted by TNS Intersearch 2000 |
This widespread poll, with over 50,000 respondents from over 60 countries, sought the public`s knowledge of and opinions on the state of the world`s environment. Troublingly, 62 percent of Americans responded that the present state of the environment is very or mainly satisfactory. Additionally, while the issue of vanishing rainforest remains foremost on the public`s mind, very few rank the ocean as an area of concern. |
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Ocean Project: Highlights of National Survey
The Ocean Project (conducted by Belden Russonello & Stewart, and American Viewpoint) 1999 |
At the moment, Americans are unaware of the threats to ocean health and they greatly underestimate their own role in damaging the oceans. The public values the oceans for their recreational and emotional aspects, but their understanding of why we need the oceans is superficial. Consequently, while many Americans express an emotional connection to the oceans, awareness and concerns about the oceans’ health are low.
Aquariums, zoos, and museums have a unique opportunity to educate the public about the importance of oceans.
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Communicating About Ocean Health and Protection: An Analysis of Research
The Ocean Project (conducted by Belden Russonello & Stewart, and American Viewpoint) 1999 |
Survey of American adults to understand their connections to the ocean, knowledge of the ocean, awareness of ocean health, perception of human impact on the ocean, personal importance of and support for ocean protection and associated underlying values, environmental concerns, and perceived effective solutions.
Based on the survey the American public was split into attitudinal groups and key ocean communication strategies and messages were developed.
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American Perceptions of Marine Mammals and Their Management
Stephen R. Kellert, for The Humane Society of the United States 1999 |
This study is the first comprehensive overview of how Americans view marine mammals. Some key findings highlighted include: most Americans opposed commercial whaling for ethical reasons; supported the protection of marine mammals over commercial fishing interests; objected to captive display of marine mammals in zoos and aquariums unless care was excellent and the education and science benefits were great; and they supported the goals of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and trade sanctions. |
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Top-line Analysis of Public Attitudes toward National Marine Sanctuaries and Ocean Protected Areas
SeaWeb (conducted by the Mellman Group) 1999 |
This 4-page memo reports the results from a national survey of 800 adult Americans with an additional 250 interviews among those living in coastal states regarding their attitudes towards marine sanctuaries. The survey suggests that there is broad support for increased protection of ocean places. Nine major conclusions were drawn from the survey including individual perceptions of topics such as pollution, coastal versus deep ocean areas, and the effectiveness of current regulations. |
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Review of Existing Public Opinion Data on the Ocean
The Ocean Project (conducted by Belden Russonello & Stewart, and American Viewpoint) 1999 |
Analysis of public opinion research on the ocean from 1992-1999. Covers how the ocean and the environment rank in comparison to other issues; how people value the ocean - their personal connections to the ocean and its impact on their daily lives; awareness about the roles of the ocean, ocean issues, the condition of the ocean, and human impacts on the ocean; seafood consumption; the language people use to describe the ocean and messages and messengers that are effective in communicating about the ocean; support for various ocean policies and people’s willingness to take personal actions to protect the ocean. |
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Summary Analysis of Six Focus Groups
The Ocean Project (conducted by Belden Russonello & Stewart, and American Viewpoint) 1999 |
Explores the public’s connections, values, attitudes, and knowledge relating to the ocean. Also provides recommendations about what needs to be communicated to build awareness and to increase people’s concern about the health of the ocean. |
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Fostering Sustainable Behavior
Doug McKenzie-Mohr and William Smith 1999 |
This book and website are a primary resource for the emerging field of community-based social marketing, and an invaluable guide for anyone involved in designing public education programs with the goal of promoting sustainable behavior, from recycling and energy efficiency, to alternative transportation. |
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Life. Nature. The Public. Making the Connection: A Biodiversity Communications Handbook
The Biodiversity Project 1999 |
This handbook is the "best of" the Project`s recommendations and resources on how to create a communications strategy about biodiversity. The handbook contains information on public opinion, objectives for raising awareness, key audiences and points of access, tips for developing values-based messages and examples of successful messages. |
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Institute for Learning Innovation. Conservation Impacts Study: National Aquarium in Baltimore
Institute for Learning Innovation, Leslie M. McKelvey et al. 1999 |
This report addresses the overall short and long-term impacts of an aquarium visit on the conservation knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of the general visitor. It assesses four main aspects: (1) in-coming conservation knowledge of visitors; (2) patterns of use and interaction with exhibitions; (3) exiting conservation knowledge of visitors; and (4) how the aquarium visit has altered or affected individual conservation knowledge, attitudes, and behavior. |
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Communicating About Oceans: Results of a National Survey
The Ocean Project (conducted by Belden Russonello & Stewart, and American Viewpoint) 1999 |
Examines the importance Americans place on ocean health and the potential for building greater saliency; the level of public support for protecting the ocean; and the persuasiveness of specific messages that make the case for protecting the ocean.
Background information on the public’s connections, values, attitudes, and knowledge relating to the ocean is also provided.
Report also includes a segmentation of the public based on attitudes toward the ocean, including a discussion of demographic characteristics of each attitudinal segment.
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Beyond Ecophobia
David Sobel 1999 |
Article explores what really happens when we lay the weight of the world’s environmental problems on eight and nine year-olds already haunted with too many concerns and not enough real contact with nature. For a further examination of this topic read Sobel’s book by the same title. |
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Human Values and Nature's Future: Americans' Attitudes on Biological Diversity - A Summary of Findings from a National Survey
The Biodiversity Project 1996 |
This analysis identifies key values and messages for communicating the impact of the loss of species and habitats and describes specific audiences for information about biodiversity. The survey it was based on is different than many others on environmental issues because it measures the values that underlie Americans` feelings about the environment. The quantitative findings of this survey complement the qualitative findings of the 1995 focus groups. |
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Current Trends in Public Opinion on the Environment: Environmental Compendium Update
Belden Russonello Research and Communications for Communications Consortium Media Center
1996 |
This memo highlights the trends found in survey data from 1992 to 1995, looking at public opinion on the environment in five main areas: 1) attitudes regarding environmentalism and the environmental movement, 2) the public`s assessment of the state of the environment, 3) the priority assigned to the environment by the public, 4) the environmental issues of most concern, and 5) the role of government in environmental protection. |
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Public Attitudes Toward Zoos, Aquariums, and Animal Theme Parks
Roper Starch Worldwide, commissioned by Sea World 1995 |
This study was carried out as an update of a benchmark survey first conducted in 1992 by Roper Report for Anheuser Busch. The intent of the study was to identify public attitudes and opinions toward animal facilities. Nine out of ten Americans believe zoos and aquariums are essential to educating the public about animals, and most believe education is most important function of these institutions. |
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Tools of Change: Proven Methods for Promoting Health, Safety and Environmental Citizenship
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The Tools of Change web site, based on the principles of community-based social marketing, offers specific tools, case studies, and a planning guide for helping people take actions and adopt habits that promote health and/or are more environmentally-friendly. The case studies include a broad sampling of programs to offer a wide variety of approaches and tools used, locations, types of organizations and participants, activities being promoted and problems being addressed and approaches that have worked as well as examples of potential pitfalls. |
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