In 2006, a poll conducted by Langer Research Associates for ABC News found that 85% of people believed that climate change was caused by human activity. In 2018, the same poll found that the number had decreased to 81%. Based on what you know about how social problems are constructed, which explanation is the most likely cause for the decrease?
A) Scientists have become less successful in communicating the causes of climate change to the public.
B) In recent years, powerful corporations have worked harder to influence public opinion on climate change in a way that benefits the corporations.
C) There has been a decrease in the number of organized social movements related to climate change.
D) The media has reported on new scientific discoveries of other causes for climate change.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Powerful corporations, especially those in industries like fossil fuels, have historically engaged in campaigns to sow doubt about the human causes of climate change to protect their interests. This can influence public opinion by downplaying the role of human activity in climate change.

In 2006, a Poll Conducted by Langer Research Associates for ABC