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Visiting a Climate-Influenced National Park: The Stability of Climate Change Perceptions

Visiting a Climate-Influenced National Park: The Stability of Climate Change Perceptions

Authors :
DeWayne Moore
Jeffrey C. Hallo
Matthew T. J. Brownlee
Robert B. Powell
Brett A. Wright
Source :
Environmental Management. 52:1132-1148
Publication Year :
2013
Publisher :
Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2013.

Abstract

Understanding perceptions of global environmental issues, such as climate change, can help inform resource management, policy development, and communication with constituents. Although a considerable amount of research documents citizens' perceptions of climate change, few have investigated how interactions with climate-impacted parks and protected areas influence these perceptions, and consequently elements of environmental management. Using a mixed methods Instrument Development Approach, the researchers examined the stability of park visitors' (N = 429) climate change perceptions during a daylong interaction with climate-sensitive and influenced resources at Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska. Results indicate that global-level beliefs about climate change remained relatively stable during a park experience, but perceptions about climate change at the park-level (e.g., impacts) appeared more malleable. Findings also revealed the type of park experience (terrestrial vs. marine) can influence the degree of change in visitors' perceptions. Implications for communication, outreach, and park management are discussed.

Details

ISSN :
14321009 and 0364152X
Volume :
52
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Environmental Management
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....d361894bd5a92dcad8a2e9d00ed738e0
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-013-0153-2