Concern about the human health implications of marine biodiversity loss is higher among less educated and poorer citizens
- Author(s)
- Sophie M.C. Davison, Mathew P. White, Sabine Pahl, Tim Taylor, Angel Borja, Oonagh McMeel, Paula Kellett, Bethany R. Roberts, Lora E. Fleming
- Abstract
Introduction: Marine biodiversity loss has direct and indirect effects on human health and wellbeing. Recent European data suggest that the public is aware of this, identifying marine biodiversity protection as its top research priority in terms of oceans and human health, rated higher than issues such as plastic, chemical, and microbial pollution.
Methods: The current study aimed to better understand key sociodemographic and personality predictors of concern about marine biodiversity loss and the desire for more research into marine biodiversity protection, in an attempt to support communication efforts targeting specific sectors in society. Data were drawn from nationally representative samples of 14 European countries (n = 14,167).
Results: Results show greater concern about marine biodiversity loss and support for more research into marine biodiversity protection by older adults, females, and individuals: (i) without (vs. with) a university degree; (ii) with lower (vs. middle) incomes; (iii) who identified as politically left-wing; (iv) who visited the coast more often; and (v) those with more open, agreeable and conscientious personalities.
Discussion: These results suggest that, although concern and research support are generally high among European citizens, policy makers and communicators need to take into consideration individual-level variation.- Organisation(s)
- Vienna Cognitive Science Hub, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology
- External organisation(s)
- Plymouth University , University of Exeter, Seascape Belgium, AZTI, European Marine Board
- Journal
- Frontiers in Marine Science
- Volume
- 10
- No. of pages
- 15
- ISSN
- 2296-7745
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2023.949263
- Publication date
- 04-2023
- Peer reviewed
- Yes
- Austrian Fields of Science 2012
- 106003 Biodiversity research
- Keywords
- ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Oceanography, Global and Planetary Change, Aquatic Science, Water Science and Technology, Environmental Science (miscellaneous), Ocean Engineering
- Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being, SDG 14 - Life Below Water
- Portal url
- https://ucris.univie.ac.at/portal/en/publications/concern-about-the-human-health-implications-of-marine-biodiversity-loss-is-higher-among-less-educated-and-poorer-citizens(66648e5f-294a-438a-ac00-c7740c5778f6).html