Climate change perceptions: Extreme weather and doom narratives impact agency

New research suggests that experiencing extreme weather and encountering “climate doom” narratives may influence public perception and motivation regarding climate change.

A nationwide survey by Gallup and the Walton Family Foundation found that nearly 40 percent of Americans have experienced damage from extreme weather in recent years. Notably, those affected by such disasters reported feeling more at the mercy of forces beyond their control compared to those who had not experienced extreme weather. Despite this sense of diminished agency, affected individuals were not more likely to express a desire to relocate, a trend researchers attribute to strong community ties.

In the United Kingdom, studies on “climate doom” narratives indicate that fear-based messaging can be counterproductive. While intended to spur action, such content is often perceived as manipulative, which can lead to lower pro-climate intentions and feelings of hopelessness. Researchers suggest that “inoculating” or “prebunking” individuals against these narratives may help them better distinguish between climate science and doom-driven misinformation, potentially maintaining their motivation to act.