Alaska SeaLife Center 2010 Climate Change

Survey

Dominique Rossi and Ian Dutton

Alaska SeaLife Center

October 2010

These data my be referenced with acknowledgement

Citation: Rossi, D. and I.M. Dutton 2010 Alaska Climate Change Survey, Alaska SeaLife Center, Seward AK.

ASLC Climate Change 2010 Staff Survey

Age Distribution

Levels of Concern

40.5% reported that being concerned with climate change

32.4% reported feeling alarmed.

Future Impacts Associated with Climate Change

94.4% associated melting glaciers with climate change

88.9% associated ocean acidification, rising sea levels and species/habitat loss with climate change.

Opinions on the Cause of Climate Change

63.9% believe that climate change is caused by the combination of anthropogenic carbon emissions and the Earth’s natural cycles

22.2% reported that the cause is strictly human produced carbon emissions

Sources of Environmental Information and Self-Ratings

Rankings of Source Trustworthiness

62.5% reported that climate change information provided by scientists is the most reliable.

Opinions on Personal Effects of Climate Change

“Increase in destructive weather phenomenon, loss of species and habitat as well as increase in all aspects related to the cost of living.”

“I think that Colorado River (and others) could conceivably dry up during my lifetime, forcing millions of desert residents to seek housing elsewhere more hospitable (like Alaska). Water shortages may also lead to water and land battles in Alaska since we have so much fresh water compared to many other states. “

“Changes in the North Pacific are impacting terrestrial animal life, fisheries, work and recreational opportunities“

Actions to Mitigate the Progression of Climate Change

47.2% frequently walk or use a bicycle as their main mode of transportation

16.7% use alternative energy to power their business or home

27.8% eat a low carbon diet

The Educational Role of the Alaska Sealife Center

Opinions on Governmental Action

“Helping to establish a social structure (probably economics-based) that will encourage our society to reduce our overall environmental consumption, and funding sustainable energy solutions”

“Tax incentives / penalties to modify big business behavior and encourage development and use of alternative energy, support of research efforts to develop alternatives.”

“This should be looked at as seriously as an oil spill or a war.”

ASLC Climate Change 2010 Seward Public

Survey

Age Distribution

Levels of Concern

56.7% reported being fully concerned about climate change.

23.3% reported having a moderate level of concern

Future Impacts Associated with Climate Change

90% associated melting glaciers with climate change

66.7% associated climate change with species and habitat loss

Opinions on the Cause of Climate Change

56.7% believe that climate change is caused by the combination of anthropogenic carbon emissions and the Earth’s natural cycles

Sources of Environmental Information and Self-Ratings

Rankings of Source Trustworthiness

39.3% ranked climate change information provided by scientists as the most trustworthy

14.8% ranked climate change information found on the internet as the most trustworthy

Opinions on Personal Effects of Climate Change

“I believe that storms, drought and floods will increase”

“There is no fish for us with commercial boats”

“It impacts us all, whether we see it or not. The web of life has been drastically altered.”

Actions to Mitigate the Progression of Climate Change

70% reported they support alternative energy

40% reported they eat a low carbon diet

23.3% reported that they compost

The Educational Role of the Alaska Sealife Center

73.3% would like the center to provide information on how climate change affects marine species. Additionally, 70% thinks the center should inform the public on the human health impacts of climate change.

Opinions on Governmental Action

“Carbon trade, implement Kyoto, require car emission reductions, money to support wind and solar”

“Provide more alternative energy sources such as solar and wind”

Start a once-a-month vegetarian day country wide! Belgium has done it!”

ASLC Climate Change 2010 ASLC Visitor

Survey

Visitor Age Distribution

Levels of Concern

33.3% said they are concerned with climate change.

26.7% said they are alarmed.

Future Impacts Associated with Climate Change

76.7% of visitors associated melting glaciers with climate change.

63.3% associated rising sea levels and increases in storm severity and frequency with climate change.

Opinions on the Cause of Climate Change

60% of visitors believe that climate change is caused by the combination of anthropogenic carbon emissions and the Earth’s natural cycles.

Sources of environmental information and Self-Ratings

Rankings of Source Trustworthiness

48.3% ranked climate change information provided by scientists as the most trustworthy

33.3% ranked information provided by zoos, aquariums and museums as the most trustworthy

Opinions on Personal Effects of Climate Change

“Hotter summers and less diversity of life”

“Mainly my grandchildren (will be affected). They already don’t see the bees and butterflies that I saw when I was a kid.”

Actions to Mitigate the Progression of Climate Change

The Educational Role of the Alaska Sealife Center

60.7% would like the center to provide information on how climate change impacts human health in addition to information about technologies that can reduce the rate of change.

Opinions on Governmental Action

“Regulate fuel efficiency, tax carbon emissions, educate children, tan incentives, support research”

“Sometimes it takes laws to remind us of what needs to be done”

“This is a maybe, most of time our government is selfishly thinking and acting”