John Taylor, Professor of Economics at Stanford University and developer of the "Taylor Rule" for setting interest rates | Stanford University
John Taylor, Professor of Economics at Stanford University and developer of the "Taylor Rule" for setting interest rates | Stanford University
The images that appear in internet search results for "climate change" differ significantly by country and often reflect local views, according to a study published in Nature Climate Change. The research highlights how these variations may influence public perception and action regarding climate change.
In Argentina, where wildfires have been severe and concern about climate change is high, search results tend to show burning homes. Conversely, in Estonia, where concern is lower, images of icebergs or polar bears are more common, portraying climate change as distant or abstract.
Madalina Vlasceanu, the senior author of the study and an assistant professor at Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, emphasized the need for accurate search outputs. “If the world wants to curb climate change, it will need a global response that cannot happen when people are not well informed. More relevant and objective search outputs are key to that informing process,” she stated.
The study analyzed Google Image Search results across 49 countries for terms like "climate change." It assessed emotional responses and support for action after viewing these images. Results showed higher emotional engagement in countries already concerned about climate change but not necessarily those facing severe risks.
A follow-up experiment involved nearly 900 participants who viewed various climate-related images from different nations. Participants exposed to images from high-concern countries felt more threatened by climate change and were more supportive of related policies.
Lead author Michael Berkebile-Weinberg noted that “this suggests to us that climate images depicting objective reality can drive broad changes in climate sentiment.” He conducted this research with Vlasceanu while she was at New York University.
The authors suggest developing algorithms that accurately depict climate impacts. Vlasceanu said, “Internet search algorithms play an important part in informing the world about the risks of and solutions to our accelerating global climate crisis.”
Collaboration across disciplines is deemed essential for addressing climate challenges through policy innovation and educational programs. Vlasceanu's work at Stanford explores barriers to progress on sustainability issues further.
Her lab also examines how other algorithmic processes might shape perceptions of climate risk. The research received support from the New York University Research Catalyst Prize awarded to Vlasceanu.
For media inquiries, contact Josie Garthwaite at Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability.
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