Original scientific paper
Do we see climate change in Croatia? Research of attitudes on some of the aspects of climate change in Croatian society
Branko Ančić
orcid.org/0000-0003-1438-2647
; Institut za društvena istraživanja u Zagrebu - Centar za istraživanje društvenih nejednakosti i održivosti, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Jelena Puđak
; nstitut društvenih znanosti Ivo Pilar, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Mladen Domazet
; Institut za političku ekologiju, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Abstract
The paper presents the justification for social science and humanities research concerning climate change in Croatia, as well as a review of previous findings and analysis of recently collected data. Through this paper the authors seek not only to open a dialogue on the topic of climate change between the natural and social sciences in Croatia, but to justify the urgency of such a dialogues based on the review of international literature and analysis of survey data collected in Croatia. After reviewing the concept of the Anthropocene and its connection with global climate change, further justification is given of the importance of research into attitudes of citizens concerning climate change and mitigating social strategies. An overview of the most relevant findings of previous research into these attitudes of citizens in Croatia and the European Union is then presented. The latest findings analyses in this paper focus on whether and to what extent Croatian citizens perceive (‘see’) climate change as a phenomenon with important social implications. Through quantitative methodological approach, the authors analyse the extent to which Croatian citizens assess the seriousness of the climate problem, its threat to the stability of the natural environment, its antagonism with economic development and the effectiveness of EU and Croatian policies in combating climate change. Further on, we explore what socio-cultural factors are connected with the willingness of citizens for material sacrifice and adoption of pro-environmental behaviour patterns. Finally recommendations are made for further research, interdisciplinary understanding of complex issues and the educational role of the scientific community. Due to significance of impact of economic insecurity on the potential for democratic support for climate change mitigation recorded in this analysis, interdisciplinary understanding of climate issues is even more important.
Keywords
climate change; the Anthropocene; Croatia; attitudes; public perception; social sciences
Hrčak ID:
168219
URI
Publication date:
26.10.2016.
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