Seeing the world through a political lens: the connection between weather and climate change perceptions and beliefs

In this presentation we explore the U.S. public's beliefs and understanding of global climate change, and relate these elements to instrumentally observed and perceived weather changes while accounting for demographics and political ideology. A model of these relationships is presented and hypotheses linking perceived weather and climate change beliefs are tested. Additionally, methods for relating perceptions and observations of weather as well as beliefs and knowledge of global climate change are discussed. The data are based on three annual nationwide surveys conducted in May and June, 2007, 2008, and 2009 enumerating in approximately 1500 participants each year.