New Zealand needs to better communicate just how much and how quickly sea levels are rising.
A new study shows that many New Zealanders are overestimating sea levels now and in the future, how quickly sea levels are rising, and what's behind it.
For example, almost thirty percent of surveyed people thought melting sea ice is causing sea levels to rise, when it fact, it does not directly contribute to it. Slightly over thirty percent of people thought that the planet's ice could melt over a period of ‘decades’, which is highly unlikely even under extreme temperatures.
Accurate science information helps us to adapt to climate change and its effects. If it's inaccurate or focuses on extremes, you might get a public that's anxious and feels helpless rather than motivated to take action. Sea levels will rise in the coming decades, and the country needs to be prepared for it.
Original article:
Study highlights the need to bust public myths about sea-level rise
Original study:
Public understanding of climate change-related sea-level rise