TY - JOUR

T1 - Communicating CCS

T2 - Applying communications theory to public perceptions of carbon capture and storage

AU - Brunsting, S.

AU - Upham, Paul

AU - Dütschke, E.

AU - De Best Waldhober, M.

AU - Oltra, C.

AU - Desbarats, J.

AU - Riesch, H.

AU - Reiner, D.

PY - 2011/11

Y1 - 2011/11

N2 - Although prior studies provide some insight into the effects of communication factors such as source credibility and argument strength on public perceptions of CCS, comparisons and integration of insights from these studies is complicated by the multitude of different and interdependent factors that influence communication outcomes. Here we provide an overview of these factors, structured in terms of a communications matrix and drawing on experience with CCS projects and studies to date. Using the matrix we organize empirical findings of the effects of four major communication input factors (source, message, channel, receiver) on communication output factors such as, attention, interest, understanding, and attitudes. The resulting 'map' of opinion shapers may guide development of public communication, engagement, and participation in CCS projects. The key message to communicators is that by knowing how input factors influence output factors, it can be decided which features are useful to achieve an intended communication outcome. Obtaining knowledge of input-output interactions requires early public engagement to explore public needs and concerns. Critical to the communication outcome is the extent to which CCS communication is an informed, open and objective public discussion process in which different views on the technology are acknowledged.

AB - Although prior studies provide some insight into the effects of communication factors such as source credibility and argument strength on public perceptions of CCS, comparisons and integration of insights from these studies is complicated by the multitude of different and interdependent factors that influence communication outcomes. Here we provide an overview of these factors, structured in terms of a communications matrix and drawing on experience with CCS projects and studies to date. Using the matrix we organize empirical findings of the effects of four major communication input factors (source, message, channel, receiver) on communication output factors such as, attention, interest, understanding, and attitudes. The resulting 'map' of opinion shapers may guide development of public communication, engagement, and participation in CCS projects. The key message to communicators is that by knowing how input factors influence output factors, it can be decided which features are useful to achieve an intended communication outcome. Obtaining knowledge of input-output interactions requires early public engagement to explore public needs and concerns. Critical to the communication outcome is the extent to which CCS communication is an informed, open and objective public discussion process in which different views on the technology are acknowledged.

KW - CCS

KW - Communication

KW - Perceptions

KW - Sustainability sciences, Communication

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=81455141212&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1016/j.ijggc.2011.09.012

DO - 10.1016/j.ijggc.2011.09.012

M3 - Journal articles

AN - SCOPUS:81455141212

VL - 5

SP - 1651

EP - 1662

JO - International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control

JF - International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control

SN - 1750-5836

IS - 6

ER -