Effect of "finite pool of worry" and COVID-19 on UK climate change perceptions

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2021 Jan 19;118(3):e2018936118. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2018936118.

Abstract

Research reveals that a "finite pool of worry" constrains concern about and action on climate change. Nevertheless, a longitudinal panel survey of 1,858 UK residents, surveyed in April 2019 and June 2020, reveals little evidence for diminishing climate change concern during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, the sample identifies climate change as a bigger threat than COVID-19. The findings suggest climate change has become an intransigent concern within UK public consciousness.

Keywords: COVID-19; United Kingdom; climate change; finite pool of worry; longitudinal.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 / epidemiology*
  • COVID-19 / psychology*
  • Climate Change*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Pandemics*
  • Perception*
  • SARS-CoV-2*
  • United Kingdom / epidemiology