ASK A GEOLOGIST: PERCEIVED IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE EARTH SCIENCE COMMUNITY

Climate change is one of the most pressing environmental, economic, and societal issues of the 21^st century. Yet public understanding and political acceptance of the mitigation and adaptations required to address climate change are at a dangerously low level. A large disconnect exists between the perspective of the scientific community researching climate change and the public engaging in climate modifying behavior. While many studies examine the views of the public, few have looked at those of the broad scientific community. This study, involving a survey of geoscientists attending a national conference, seeks to understand the motivations behind a scientist’s willingness to communicate dangerous impacts of climate change to the general public. The results are presented as detailed maps indicating where these earth scientists believe climate change will have the most impact, how they are personally affected by these impacts, and where and what they believe every citizen should know. These results, coupled with findings from other public opinion surveys offer insights into disconnects between scientist and public perceptions.