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189 results
Key Findings of a National Medical Association Physician Survey
The report details a 2014 survey of 284 African American physicians from the National Medical Association across 33 states, focusing on the health impacts of climate change.
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Document type: Report
A 2016 National Study of Broadcast Meteorologists
The report details the methodology and scope of the fourth national survey of U.S. broadcast meteorologists, conducted in 2016. The survey aimed to explore views on climate change and day-to-day professional activities, including social media use and the influence of news consultants. Out of 2,033 professionals surveyed across 49 U.S. states, 646 participated, representing a 32% participation rate.
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Document type: Report
Local Climate Experts: The Influence of Local TV Weather Information on Climate Change Perceptions
A survey of 2,000 adult TV news viewers in Virginia found that paying attention to local weather forecasts is associated with the belief that extreme weather is increasing in the state, which subsequently correlates with stronger beliefs and concerns regarding global climate change. These effects were most pronounced among individuals who trust their local weathercaster and those identifying as politically conservative or moderate.
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Document type: Research paper
Mediated Access Transparency Barriers for Journalists’ Access to Scientists and Scientific Information at Government Agencies
The report details a survey of 254 science writers conducted by the Union of Concerned Scientists and the Society of Professional Journalists. It examines the role of public information officers (PIOs) in mediating access to government scientists, finding that while PIOs are generally helpful during crises and in meeting deadlines, they often impose restrictions such as requiring approval for interviews, monitoring conversations, and routing requests away from specific experts. The analysis suggests that science agencies may be more open than other government sectors, though a majority of respondents believe these barriers prevent the public from receiving all necessary information.
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Document type: Report
Hurricane Attitudes of Coastal Connecticut Residents: A Segmentation Analysis
The report segments coastal Connecticut residents into five groups based on hurricane attitudes: the 'First Out', 'Constrained', 'Optimists', 'Reluctant', and 'Diehards'. It analyzes how risk perception, perceived barriers, and trust in authority influence evacuation decisions, noting that while local official orders are the most effective trigger for all groups, different segments require different interventions ranging from resource assistance to risk education.
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Document type: Executive summary
Hurricane Attitudes of Coastal Connecticut Residents: A Segmentation Analysis
The report identifies five segments of coastal Connecticut residents: the First Out, Constrained, Optimists, Reluctant, and Diehards. These groups vary significantly in their perceived risk, actual preparedness, and likelihood of evacuating. While the First Out are the most anxious and likely to leave, the Diehards are the most self-reliant and least likely to evacuate. The analysis highlights that official orders from local police or fire departments are the most effective triggers for evacuation across all groups, though barriers such as pets, health issues, and financial constraints significantly hinder the Constrained and Optimists.
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Document type: Report
A National Survey of Broadcast Meteorologists About Climate Change
A 2015 survey of US broadcast meteorologists reveals that over 90% believe climate change is occurring, with nearly 90% of those attributing it at least partly to human activity. While most believe climate change has influenced or will influence local weather, agriculture, and transportation, optimism regarding the ability to limit further change or avoid harmful impacts remains low. Additionally, nearly 70% of weathercasters believe it is appropriate to report climate science, and over 90% believe their audiences are at least somewhat interested in local climate impacts.
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Document type: Fact sheet
A National Survey of Broadcast Meteorologists About Climate Change
The report details a survey of US broadcast meteorologists, finding that over 90% believe climate change is occurring and most believe it has already influenced local weather, water resources, and agriculture. While many feel it is appropriate to report climate science, they face obstacles such as lack of time in newscasts. The survey also highlights a gap between the meteorologists' perception of scientific consensus on human-caused climate change and the actual consensus reported in literature.
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Document type: Report
Climate Change in the American Christian Mind
The report analyzes how different denominations of American Christians perceive climate change, finding that Catholics are generally the most concerned and supportive of climate policies, while evangelicals are the most split on the reality of global warming and more likely to prioritize religious beliefs over scientific explanations. It also assesses the trust placed in religious leaders, specifically Pope Francis, and the support for specific climate mitigation policies.
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Document type: Report
Grading Government Transparency: Scientists’ Freedom to Speak (and Tweet) at Federal Agencies
The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) evaluated 17 US federal agencies on their media and social media policies using a rubric focused on scientific openness and free speech. The analysis assigned letter grades based on criteria such as the 'personal-views exception' and the 'right of last review'. Results showed significant variance, with NOAA receiving the highest media policy grade (A) and the Department of Energy receiving an 'Incomplete' due to insufficient policy information. The report also includes qualitative survey data from 72 federal scientists describing their experiences with agency interference and the practical application of these policies.
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Document type: Report
Possibilities and Realities of Return Migration
The report examines return migration as a complex spectrum of agency and coercion, challenging the 'myth of return' and the binary of forced versus voluntary migration. It identifies ten key findings, highlighting that return intentions are shaped by competing attachments to multiple societies and that reintegration can be as challenging as initial integration due to social expectations, corruption, and security risks. The research emphasizes the critical role of short-term return visits in informing decisions and maintaining transnational ties, while noting that secure legal status in a destination country often paradoxically facilitates the possibility of return by providing a safety net.
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Document type: Report
Voters will support pro-climate candidates with pledges, time and money
The document finds that millions of registered U.S. voters are open to supporting pro-climate candidates if prompted by a trusted person. Approximately 27% of registered voters who are worried about global warming would sign a pledge to vote for such candidates, while 17% would volunteer their time and 16% would donate money.
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Document type: Fact sheet
Public Understanding vs. Scientific Consensus
The document highlights a significant discrepancy between the scientific consensus—where 97% of peer-reviewed papers acknowledge human-caused global warming—and the American public, where only 44% believe it is both happening and human-caused. It further notes that only 12% of Americans are aware of the high level of scientific agreement, a misunderstanding that may hinder support for climate action.
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Document type: Briefing
What Role Can National Sustainable Development Councils and Similar Bodies Play in the Design and Delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals?
The document examines how National Sustainable Development Councils (NCSDs) can support the transition from Millennium Development Goals to Sustainable Development Goals. Based on survey data from 12 countries, it identifies that while most nations have national sustainable development strategies, they face significant financial and structural barriers, including institutional resistance and poor data quality. The briefing highlights the advisory role of NCSDs and recommends a participatory approach, vertical alignment between government levels, and the strengthening of existing institutional frameworks to achieve national SDG targets.
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Document type: Briefing
Millions of People Could Use Electric Vehicles
A 2013 survey by the Union of Concerned Scientists and Consumers Union found that 42% of U.S. households meet the basic requirements to use today's electric vehicles, compared to less than 1% who owned one at the time. Specifically, 42% were eligible for PHEVs and 25% for BEVs. The report suggests that widespread adoption could halve projected U.S. oil use and reduce global warming pollution.
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Document type: Fact sheet
Electric Vehicle Survey Methodology and Assumptions
A 2013 survey by the Union of Concerned Scientists and Consumer Reports found that 42% of U.S. households with vehicles could potentially use current plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and 22% could use battery electric vehicles (BEVs) with a 60-mile range. The study identifies charging access as the primary barrier to EV adoption, particularly for those in multi-unit dwellings. Public sentiment is generally positive, with 65% of respondents viewing EVs as essential for reducing oil use and global warming, and 60% considering an EV purchase.
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Document type: Report
Raising the Stakes: A Survey of Public and Public-Private Fund Models and Initiatives to Mobilize Private Investment
The paper examines 27 PPCFIs with approximately US$41.3 billion in capitalization, finding a strong bias toward mitigation over adaptation and a preference for established markets over least-developed countries. It identifies significant hurdles in attracting private capital at the fund level, noting that only two of eleven funds aiming for private capital achieved sizeable investment. The authors recommend standardizing processes, increasing private sector awareness, and leveraging the Green Climate Fund to coordinate the fragmented landscape of climate finance.
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Document type: Research paper
The Role of Development Finance Institutions and Development Banks in Scaling Up Green and Climate Investments
The document analyzes the 2012 green and climate finance activities of 15 surveyed DFIs and DBs, who committed approximately USD 18.2 billion. While these institutions play a significant role in financing green economic development, their catalytic potential is hindered by a shortage of bankable projects and the uncertain viability of prototype technologies. The report details the sectoral distribution of funds—favoring mitigation and sustainable transport—and examines the ongoing financing of fossil fuel projects. It concludes by suggesting policy improvements and enhanced transparency through standardized reporting to further scale green investments.
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Document type: Briefing
Understanding Needs, Meeting Demands
The report investigates the gap between the supply of online climate knowledge brokering (CKB) platforms and the actual needs of users. Through a survey of 163 users and case studies of four platforms—AfricaAdapt, Climate Finance Options, Climate Change Policy & Practice, and the Eldis Climate Change Resource Guide—the authors find that platforms are often supply-driven and fail to reach key stakeholders like policy-makers and frontline actors. Users primarily rely on search engines rather than portals and continue to prefer traditional written documents over interactive Web 2.0 tools. The report argues for a shift toward needs-led design and the integration of offline engagement to foster genuine knowledge co-production.
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Document type: Report
Institutional investor attitudes to addressing climate change risks in portfolios
The report finds that while South African institutional investors increasingly recognize the relevance of ESG factors, integration remains slow and inconsistent. Many investors rely on narrow proxies for climate risk, such as carbon taxes, while largely ignoring physical risks and water scarcity. The study highlights a systemic lack of demand from asset owners and a prevalence of short-termism in performance evaluation, which hinders the transition to a low-carbon economy. Despite these barriers, a majority of respondents acknowledge that portfolios are heavily exposed to climate-vulnerable sectors, particularly through state-owned enterprises like Eskom and Transnet, leading to the conclusion that many assets may be mispriced.
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Document type: Report