Perceptions of CO2 Report - Global CCS Institute

8 DiscussionThis international research project aimed to determine how individuals across Australia, theNetherlands, and Japan understand CO 2 ’s properties, and to examine the influence of thatknowledge on their perceptions of CO 2 and CCS. It additionally aimed to investigate how providinginformation about the underlying properties and characteristics of CO 2 influences individualattitudes towards CCS.8.1 How do people understand and perceive CO 2 ?Similar to previous findings (e.g. Itaoka et al., 2007; Paukovic et al., 2011; Wallquist, Visschers, etal., 2009; Whitmarsh, Seyfang, et al., 2011) the current research showed that CO 2 was moderatelyto poorly understood by many participants. Survey respondents were somewhat familiar with CO 2 ’sbasic properties (e.g. it occurs naturally, is contained in air, and is absorbed by plants); however,over 50% were uncertain whether CO 2 was soluble in water or degradable. Respondents weregenerally aware of CO 2 ’s sources but unsure of its uses, except for Australians, who were mostknowledgeable on the subject (a result that may be related to the over representation of highlyeducated survey panel participants.) Respondents were generally confused regarding CO 2 ’seffects, with many believing that it harms the ozone layer, particularly Japanese respondents. Alarge proportion was uncertain whether CO 2 affects humans in the same way as carbon monoxideand soot. Overall, initial perceptions of CO 2 were that it was slightly negative, dangerous, and dirty,but slightly useful, though most participants did not provide a definitive response.8.1.1 WHAT INFLUENCES THESE CO 2 PERCEPTIONS?A number of factors were found to influence initial impressions of CO 2 . Belief in global warmingand knowledge that CO 2 is emitted from natural gas or coal-fired power stations was related to anegative perception of CO 2 . Also, the prior belief that CO₂ has the same effects on human healthas air pollutants such as soot had the strongest influence on the perception of CO₂ as “dirty” and“dangerous.” Perceptions about CO 2 ’s usefulness were most strongly influenced by knowledgeabout its role in plant growth. Country of residence also played a role: Japanese and Dutchrespondents were more negative about CO 2 and perceived it as dirtier and less useful than didAustralian respondents. Respondents in Japan were found to perceive CO 2 as safer, compared tothose in Australia or the Netherlands. Dutch respondents had the most consistently unfavourableperceptions of CO 2 .8.1.2 ARE THERE INTERNATIONAL DIFFERENCES IN BROADER CLIAME CHANGE BELEIFS?The variation in CO 2 perceptions occurs against a backdrop of varied attitudes towards climatechange and energy topics. Belief in climate change and the need for immediate action to address itwas significantly higher in Japan than in Australia and the Netherlands. Respondents in theNetherlands were much less convinced or concerned about climate change and related issues,while Japanese respondents held a greater belief in climate change, were more concerned overthe depletion of fossil fuels, and had higher levels of support for urgent action and for renewableenergy use. Respondents in Australia were moderately concerned about climate change andmoderately supportive of action against climate change and of promoting renewables.42 | Understanding how individuals perceive carbon dioxide