Climate change, the Great Barrier Reef and the response of Australians

Jeremy Goldberg, Nadine Marshall, Alastair Birtles, Peter Case, Erin Bohensky, Matt Curnock, Margaret Gooch, Howard Parry-Husbands, Petina Pert, Renae Tobin, Christopher Villani and Bernard Visperas
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Jeremy Goldberg: College of Business, Law and Governance, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
Nadine Marshall: CSIRO Land and Water Flagship, Townsville, Australia
Alastair Birtles: College of Business, Law and Governance, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
Peter Case: College of Business, Law and Governance, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
Erin Bohensky: CSIRO Land and Water Flagship, Townsville, Australia
Matt Curnock: CSIRO Land and Water Flagship, Townsville, Australia
Margaret Gooch: Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Townsville, Australia
Howard Parry-Husbands: Pollinate, Sydney, Australia
Petina Pert: CSIRO Land and Water Flagship, Cairns, Australia
Renae Tobin: College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
Christopher Villani: Pollinate, Sydney, Australia
Bernard Visperas: Pollinate, Sydney, Australia

Palgrave Communications, 2016, vol. 2, issue 1, 1-8

Abstract: Abstract Inspiration, aspirations, attitudes and perception of threats play a pivotal role in the way that individuals associate themselves with natural environments. These sentiments affect how people connect to natural places, including their behaviours, perceived responsibility and the management interventions they support. World Heritage Areas hold an important place in the lives of people who visit, aspire to visit, or derive a sense of security and well-being from their existence. Yet, the connection between people and special places is rarely quantified and policymakers find it difficult to incorporate these human dimensions into decision-making processes. Here we describe the personal concern and connection that Australians have with the Great Barrier Reef and discuss how the results may help with its management. We utilize a statistically representative sample of Australian residents (n= 2,002) and show empirically that climate change is perceived to be the biggest threat to the Great Barrier Reef and that the Great Barrier Reef inspires Australians, promotes pride and instills a sense of individual identity and collective responsibility to protect it. An increased understanding of the high levels of personal connection to iconic natural resources may help managers to enhance public support for protecting climate-sensitive systems within Australia and around the world.

Date: 2016
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DOI: 10.1057/palcomms.2015.46

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