Wehner, Kim (KT) (2024) Exploring Public Acceptance of Direct Air Capture with Carbon Storage: Analyzing the Role of Knowledge and Risk Perception. Bachelor thesis, Psychology.
|
Text
BA-Thesis-Kim-Wehner-2024.pdf Download (703kB) | Preview |
Abstract
Negative emission technologies, such as Direct Air Capture with Carbon Storage (DACCS), are crucial for meeting climate goals. Despite its potential to remove large quantities of CO2, public acceptance of DACCS is relatively low and understudied. This study examines how knowledge and risk perception affect public acceptance toward DACCS. It was hypothesized that people who learn more on the technology would perceive more risks (due to hint of risk bias), which in turn would decrease public acceptance. Participants recruited through convenience sampling were randomly assigned into two conditions, either reading basic information, or reading additionally about pros and cons. Contrary to expectations, risk perception and public acceptance did not differ significantly between conditions. However, a strong negative correlation was found between risk perception and public acceptance, emphasizing that perceived risks play a critical role in shaping public acceptance. These findings challenge the assumption that providing more information has an effect on acceptance. Instead, initial emotional reactions and risk perception are pivotal in forming opinions about DACCS. This study contributes to the discourse on geoengineering acceptance, suggesting that addressing public concerns and a positive framing are essential for the successful deployment of DACCS in combating climate change.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Bachelor) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Lee, C.Y. |
| Degree programme: | Psychology |
| Differentiation route: | None [Bachelor Psychology] |
| Date Deposited: | 24 Jul 2024 07:29 |
| Last Modified: | 24 Jul 2024 07:29 |
| URI: | http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/4108 |
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |