From source credibility to risk perception: How and when climate information matters to action

Abstract

Information about climate change is a critical driver for individuals to take personal or collective actions to address climate issues. Empirical evidence is still weak and inconsistent, however, about how and when information facilitates climate action. Based on two rounds of survey including 1023 participants, we found a positive relationship between climate information and action, which was mediated by perceived risk of climate change. The relationship between climate information and action via risk perception was moderated by the credibility of information sources. Perceived credibility of the information providers, including both the media and organizations, strengthened the facilitating effect of information on climate action. The findings call for a more refined, credibility-based climate communication strategy.