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Updated: Jan 18, 2026

Using Generative Art to Convey Past and Future Climate Transitions
Published on: March 31, 2023
More than scientists: How message and messenger attributes influence viewers' climate change intentions
Donald W Hine1, Keri L Phillips2, Michael J Hine3
1School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand.
Climate change communication is more effective when scientists are older, male, and attractive. Tailoring messages to political views, like using affiliation language for liberals, boosts public motivation to act.
Area of Science:
- Environmental communication
- Social psychology
- Climate change science
Background:
- Motivating public action on climate change is a significant hurdle for science communicators.
- Understanding how message and messenger characteristics influence this motivation is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of message and messenger attributes on climate change action motivation.
- To examine how political orientation moderates these effects.
Main Methods:
- A policy-capturing study involving 581 U.S. adults viewing climate change videos.
- Analysis of linguistic features (Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count software) and messenger attributes (age, sex, attractiveness).
- Multilevel modeling to assess predictors of viewer motivation.
Main Results:
- Messenger characteristics (older, male, attractive, natural settings) were strong predictors of motivation, explaining over 21% of variance.
- Linguistic message attributes had limited impact, though future-focused and longer messages showed modest increases in motivation.
- Political orientation moderated effects: affiliation-oriented language boosted motivation for left-leaning viewers; achievement-oriented language for right-leaning viewers.
Conclusions:
- Peripheral cues, such as messenger attractiveness and demographics, significantly influence climate change communication effectiveness.
- Targeted messaging strategies aligning with audience values and political identities are recommended for enhanced public engagement.
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