The Short-Term Temptations and Long-Term Risks of Environmental Catastrophism
Year: 2016
Type: preprint
Abstract: Framing environmental problems as catastrophic likely undercuts public support for sound environmental policies over time. This article reviews three historic examples of influential books predicting environmental catastrophes. Although the authors brought public attention to real and important problems, the embellished claims that failed to materialize undermined future warnings of environmental problems. We consider the effects of exaggeration on the discourse surrounding global warming, the most serious environmental issue ever faced by modern society. We further consider the incentives for scientists and others to exaggerate impacts to motivate complacent citizens and policymakers. Ultimately, however, exaggerating climate change doomsday will undermine public support for climate change policies if extreme predictions do not materialize.
Source: SSRN Electronic Journal
Authors: Gary E. Marchant, Karen Bradshaw
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Climate action
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2563519427