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Religion Does Matter for Climate Change Attitudes and Behavior
Mark Morrison1, Roderick Duncan2, Kevin Parton1
1School of Management and Marketing, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia; Institute for Land, Water and Society, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia.
Plos One
|August 7, 2015
Summary
This study reveals significant differences in climate change beliefs and behaviors across religious groups in Australia. Religion is a key factor influencing these views, even when controlling for other variables.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Sociology
- Sociology of Religion
- Climate Change Communication
Background:
- Limited research exists on the intersection of religion and climate change attitudes/behaviors.
- Existing studies predominantly focus on Christian denominations and secularism, neglecting other religious groups like Buddhism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between religious affiliations and climate change attitudes and behaviors in an Australian context.
- To identify differences in beliefs regarding human-induced climate change, scientific consensus, personal efficacy, and policy needs among various religious groups.
Main Methods:
- An online survey was administered to 1,927 Australians.
- Participants were categorized into four religious groupings: Buddhists, Christian literalists, Christian non-literalists, and Secularists.
- Ordinal regression analysis was employed to assess the influence of religion on climate change attitudes and behaviors.
Main Results:
- Significant differences were observed across religious groups concerning belief in human-induced climate change, scientific consensus, personal efficacy, and the necessity of policy interventions.
- Religion was found to be a significant predictor of these differences, independent of socio-demographic factors, knowledge, and environmental attitudes.
- Belief in man's dominion over nature did not fully explain the observed religious differences.
Conclusions:
- Religious affiliation plays a crucial role in shaping climate change attitudes and behaviors among Australians.
- Engaging diverse religious denominations is essential for fostering positive shifts in climate change perception and action.
- Future research should explore the nuanced mechanisms through which religion influences environmental engagement.
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