A sociedade española ante o cambio climático: coñecementos e valoración do potencial de ameaza

Abstract

It is essential to consider the “social factor” in the design of response policies in order to minimise the consequences of climate change (CC) and help ease the adaptation of world population to its inevitable impact. The concept of “Social factor” comprises a group of social dimensions that society is building upon CC, such as scientific information formed within culture, the evaluation of potential threats and attitudes associated with the problem. This article examines data from an opinion poll carried out in 2008 and funded by Mapfre Foundation that took place with a representative sample of Spanish people of 18 and over. This study is mainly based on analysis of the Spanish society knowledge and beliefs about climate change and on the evaluation of the potential threats.