Ocean acidification: How much do people know and do they care?

The risk of ocean acidification (OA) is one that many people within the population are not familiar with, however this risk needs serious consideration in future climate policy. The absorption of anthropogenic carbon dioxide... [ view full abstract ]

The risk of ocean acidification (OA) is one that many people within the population are not familiar with, however this risk needs serious consideration in future climate policy. The absorption of anthropogenic carbon dioxide by the ocean and the changes in ocean pH has already affected shellfish hatcheries and fisheries, which are vital livelihoods for some communities. As carbon dioxide is only one of many greenhouse gases impacting on the climate, the potential serious effects of OA must be reflected on by policymakers and gives an additional reason to focus on carbon dioxide in particular.

Currently there is very little research which explores public risk perceptions of OA. This research uses a mental models approach to explore how OA is conceptualised amongst members of the public. In line with this approach, a literature review and expert interviews (N = 7) were carried out resulting in the creation of an expert model on OA. Secondly, semi-structured interviews (N =20) were carried out with the public to assess their beliefs, correct knowledge and misconceptions on OA. The findings from these two phases were explored in more detail through a survey which was conducted to measure how prevalent particular knowledge and beliefs about OA were in the wider population.

This paper will present findings from a UK public survey which measured what people know about this risk as well as their risk perceptions including concern, psychological distance and affect. Previous work has shown that OA is perceived very negatively and that there is low awareness about this risk. Despite this low awareness it is expected that participants will be able to correctly identify the main cause of OA as found in previous work. We anticipate that participants who are concerned about climate change will also be concerned about OA, with policy support to manage greenhouse gases also stronger in those who show high levels of concern. Finally, we will discuss why public perceptions and understanding of climate risks such as OA are relevant. Exploring public risk perceptions of OA should help future communication strategies and also help inform policy development.