Live Poster Session: https://wesleyan.zoom.us/j/94896937595
Josie Dickman
Josie is a senior at Wesleyan University majoring in Science Technology Studies and minoring in Environmental Studies. She is interested in the intersection of environmental conservation and community organizing and hopes to pursue a career aligned with these interests. Outside of school, you can find her meditating, hiking, playing the fiddle, traveling, or hugging a tree.
Abstract: There has been debate in recent years over drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), a region in the northeast corner of Alaska, which is important for indigenous communities and wildlife. There have been studies examining American views on hydraulic fracturing or “fracking” and energy sources, but very few incorporate perception of personal harm from global warming. This study utilized county level data from a 2024 Climate Change in the American Mind study. It asks the primary research question: is there an association between perception of personal harm from global warming and beliefs about oil drilling in the ANWR? This research addresses the primary research question and adds layers about living in Alaska compared to other states and political leanings. The research found that there is a significant association between the main explanatory and response variable and political leaning is a moderating variable. Future research could replicate this study with individual level data, include political data from Alaska, and include other demographic factors. This research could have implications for future energy and climate policy.
Josie-Dickman-Project