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Did the COVID-19 Crisis Reframe Public Awareness of Environmental Topics as Humanity’s Existential Risks? A Case from the UK

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  • Andreas Y. Troumbis

    (Biodiversity Conservation Laboratory, Department of the Environment, University of the Aegean, 81100 Mytilene, Greece)

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has not just gently nudged but forcefully thrust environmental issues into the forefront of public consciousness. This shift in awareness has been a long-time aspiration of conservation scientists, who have played a crucial role in advocating for recognizing nature’s contributions to human life and a healthy environment. I explain the advantages of using newly available tools and sources of digital data, i.e., the absolute search volume in Google using the flag keywords biodiversity, climate change, and sustainability, Τhe GDELT Project, which monitors the world’s broadcast, print, and web news, and the difference-in-differences method comparing paired samples of public interest before and after the pandemic outbreak. We focus on the case of UK citizens’ public interest. Public interest in the flag keywords in the UK showed a highly significant increase during the pandemic. The results contradict hypotheses or findings presented elsewhere that the public interest is attenuated during and because of the public health crisis. I support growing public awareness of the existential risks springing from human materialism misappropriating nature, environment, and resources. In conclusion, I advocate for a “new conservation narrative” that could be fostered by the increased public interest in environmental topics during the pandemic.

Suggested Citation

  • Andreas Y. Troumbis, 2024. "Did the COVID-19 Crisis Reframe Public Awareness of Environmental Topics as Humanity’s Existential Risks? A Case from the UK," World, MDPI, vol. 5(4), pages 1-17, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jworld:v:5:y:2024:i:4:p:61-1210:d:1529922
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    References listed on IDEAS

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