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Perceptions of environmental problems and solutions in Florida across sectors: A survey of key stakeholders and the public

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Abstract

We build on environmental attitude research to provide a foundation for considering policies making economic and environmental trade-offs. We conducted a large online survey of Florida public attitudes (n = 829), a state grappling with trade-offs between economic development and environmental quality. Findings provide the first baseline understanding of Floridian perceptions of relationships between key economic drivers and the environment. Environmental problems were generally considered important and pro-environmental policy options are highly supported. The environment was considered more important to Florida’s culture and future than key industries, with only tourism considered more important to the economy. Development was considered least important. Individual differences, including gender, political party, and industry affiliation, predicted policy support and attitudes toward trade-offs. Modeled together, attitudes toward government involvement and the importance of the environment to Florida predicted additional variance in policy support. Results highlight the intersection of social identities and ideological attitudes in shaping environmental policy attitudes.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank our funders, the Pierce Family Foundation and the Greenacres Foundation for their support of this work.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy, University of Miami, 1365 Memorial Dr #230J, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA

    Julia Wester

  2. Field School, 3109 Grand Avenue #154, Miami, FL, 33133, USA

    Julia Wester & Catherine Macdonald

  3. Field School Foundation, 3109 Grand Avenue #154, Miami, FL, 33133, USA

    Julia Wester

  4. Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL, 33149, USA

    Catherine Macdonald

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The research protocol for this study was reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board at the University of Miami (protocol #20191209). This included approved procedures for confirming informed consent from all participants.

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Wester, J., Macdonald, C. Perceptions of environmental problems and solutions in Florida across sectors: A survey of key stakeholders and the public. Ambio 52, 1098–1111 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-023-01829-0

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