Understanding fluctuating climate change risk perceptions through the lens of trust: a study of Great Barrier Reef region residents

npj Climate Action 2026 Open access

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Authors: Elizabeth V. Hobman, Matt Curnock, Michelle Dyer, Cindy Huchery, PETINA LESLEY PERT, Emilee Chamberland, Aditi Mankad
DOI: 10.1038/s44168-026-00334-w
Cited by: 1
References: 21

Abstract

Public perceptions of climate change risks are fundamental to public support for climate action. From a decade of surveying residents in the Great Barrier Reef region (2013–2023; n = 9920), we found that climate risk perceptions have fluctuated markedly, with shifts mainly occurring at the extremes of the belief–denialism spectrum. Along with a trend of decreasing belief and increasing denialism, trust in scientists strengthened in its predictive potential over time.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Climate Change Communication and Perception Risk Perception and Management Environmental Education and Sustainability

Publication details

Journal / source
npj Climate Action
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Volume
5
Issue
1
Publication date
21 January 2026
Language
EN