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Navigating through the jungle of information. Informational self-efficacy predicts climate change-related media exposure, knowledge, and behaviour

Author

Listed:
  • Laura S. Loy

    (University of Koblenz-Landau)

  • Karen R. S. Hamann

    (University of Koblenz-Landau)

  • Gerhard Reese

    (University of Koblenz-Landau)

Abstract

Climate change is a complex issue and understanding it is not an easy endeavour. An abundance of information is available through media and a lot of research has dealt with the question of how to best communicate this issue to the public. However, uncertainty and scepticism remain. In this paper, we argue that the subjective capability of informing oneself satisfactorily about climate change (i.e. informational self-efficacy) to reach goals like forming an opinion, evaluating political decisions regarding climate change, or behaving in a climate protective manner might be a crucial determinant of people’s engagement with the issue. In an online survey with a quota sample of German residents (N = 498), informational self-efficacy positively predicted people’s exposure to climate change communication in the media, their knowledge about the climate system and climate protective behaviours, and the extent to which they actually engaged in climate protective actions. Moreover, informational self-efficacy positively predicted climate protective behaviour and climate system knowledge indirectly through media exposure—but not behavioural knowledge. Hence, next to optimising the provided climate change communication, we suggest to strengthen people’s confidence in dealing with it through media literacy trainings and examine the causal effect of these trainings on informational self-efficacy and climate change engagement. Furthermore, the impact of different behaviours on climate change should be more often and more concretely discussed in media coverage.

Suggested Citation

  • Laura S. Loy & Karen R. S. Hamann & Gerhard Reese, 2020. "Navigating through the jungle of information. Informational self-efficacy predicts climate change-related media exposure, knowledge, and behaviour," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 163(4), pages 2097-2116, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:climat:v:163:y:2020:i:4:d:10.1007_s10584-020-02918-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s10584-020-02918-9
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    Cited by:

    1. Alison Stapleton & Louise McHugh & Maria Karekla, 2022. "How to Effectively Promote Eco-Friendly Behaviors: Insights from Contextual Behavioral Science," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-14, October.
    2. Sonny Rosenthal & Pengya Ai, 2024. "Media use, interpersonal communication, and personal relevance as external and internal representations of climate change," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 177(11), pages 1-22, November.
    3. Meifen Wu & Ruyin Long & Hong Chen & Jiaqi Wang, 2024. "Is social media more conducive to climate change communication behavior? The mediating role of risk perception and environmental values," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 26(11), pages 29401-29427, November.
    4. Lena De Botton & Raul Ramos & Marta Soler-Gallart & Jordi Suriñach, 2021. "Scientifically Informed Solidarity: Changing Anti-Immigrant Prejudice about Universal Access to Health," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-14, April.

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