Key facts
- A study surveyed 467 farmers and 1,200 non-farmers on climate change concerns and willingness to act.
- Researchers found no evidence of an urban-rural divide in climate change worry or behavioral change willingness.
- Non-farmers underestimated farmers' level of worry and willingness to act on climate change.
- All groups underestimated the general public's worry and willingness to act.
- Misperceptions about others' attitudes could undermine climate cooperation.
A study by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) surveyed 467 farmers and 1,200 non-farmers, divided evenly between rural and urban residents, to assess concerns about climate change and willingness to take action. The research revealed widespread misperceptions, with non-farmers underestimating farmers' worry and willingness to act on climate change. Crucially, the study found no evidence of an urban-rural divide, as both groups expressed similar levels of concern and readiness to change their behavior. However, all participants tended to underestimate the general public's worry and willingness to act. Dr. Lucie Martin, the lead author, stated that reducing greenhouse gas emissions requires collective action and trust that others are participating, and these misperceptions could hinder climate cooperation. Professor Pete Lunn added that while climate actions differ for various groups, damaging misperceptions arise when people do not perceive others acting as part of the same climate effort.