Document Type

Thesis

Date of Award

2026

Department

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

First Advisor

Dr. Divya Gupta

Second Advisor

Dr. Soren Warland

Abstract

This thesis examines the politicization of greenhouse gas emissions within the American public, tracing its evolution from a consensus based scientific topic to a deeply polarized partisan issue. While early research established a clear link between greenhouse gases and global warming, the late 20th century saw a strategic rise in skepticism fueled by conservative think tanks, contrarian scientists, and industrial interests. This study analyzes the psychological mechanisms and media practices that have exacerbated this divide and decline in public environmental concern, which has resulted in negative social and environmental effects due to a slowed federal response to the climate crisis. To address this polarization five strategies for depoliticization are proposed including just transition, media literacy, framing, family planning, and improving communication between scientists and the public. This study identified and analyzed current literature regarding these approaches, using a synthesized review of peer reviewed journals, reports, publications, popular media articles, and other sources identified through Binghamton University’s library using keyword searches and the citation tracking tool. By synthesizing existing research and addressing its gap, this research provides a roadmap for bridging the partisan gap to foster bipartisan cooperation necessary for effective climate policy in the 21st  century. To counteract historical campaigns of doubt and cognitive biases, we must move beyond information deficit models and employ targeted and interdisciplinary depoliticization strategies including just transition efforts, media literacy, framing, advocating for family planning, improving the communication between scientists and the public to mitigate the worsening consequences of politicization.

Download

Share

COinS