Why Trusting Nature is Key in the Fight Against Climate Change

Social media users are more positive about nature’s ability to combat climate change than human technology, according to a survey of over a million posts. The study found that posts about nature-based efforts, such as protecting rainforests and planting trees, received more positive expressions like ‘joy’. On the other hand, posts related to radical technology like geoengineering, which involves spraying aerosols into the atmosphere or using solar space sails, elicited expressions of ‘disgust’ and ‘fear’. The research suggests that governments and global organizations should consider public sentiment when proposing climate action solutions. The study also highlights the need for additional climate solutions beyond reducing greenhouse gas emissions, such as actively ‘geoengineering’ the climate through methods like removing greenhouse gases or reflecting away excessive sunlight. The researchers analyzed social media posts from 2006 to 2021 on various climate technologies and found that public opinion on these technologies is difficult to gauge through traditional surveys. The study recommends avoiding the use of the term ‘geoengineering’ and focusing on both technological and natural solutions to mitigate climate change. Overall, the findings indicate that the public is more supportive of nature-based solutions to combat climate change.