Social inequalities in the making sense of climate change narratives

Abstract

In this viewpoint we intend to argue two things. First, that any attempt at effective communication must consider not only the causes and effects of climate change, but also the political measures proposed to address those causes and effects, since both influence public perceptions and behaviours. Second, that it is necessary to better understand the processes by which citizens make sense of climate change, as well as the role that their position in the social structure plays in shaping such perceptions. According to our recent research, the most sceptical or denialist people ignore the problem due to their (perceived) difficulties to change ways of life, and this implies that any attempt to modify this perception should go beyond climate change policies in the strict sense, considering other political measures to compensate these (perceived) deficits and help people to be able to consider a change of ways of life.