Policy from the Pulpit? Influences on Climate Change Skepticism

Wednesday, January 24, 2024
5:30–7:30 p.m.
Conor O'Neill's Traditional Irish Pub
318 South Main Street, Ann Arbor

Climate change action is one of the most urgent questions we face. What influences public opinion on this issue? Recent research has shown that religious affiliation is not a consistent predictor for climate change skepticism. The exception to this rule is evangelical protestants who consistently poll as more skeptical than the general population. Do local evangelical ministers fit the trend of this larger demographic, or is there more to the story? Join Buddy Stark (Ph.D. student with the Mallinson Institute for Science Education at Western Michigan University) to discuss how the belief structures leading to skepticism among evangelicals are more complex than we might predict. We'll consider what approaches might be useful in moving us all forward. Buddy Stark is the planetarium manager at the U-M Museum of Natural History.


Science Cafés provide an opportunity for audiences to discuss current research topics with experts in an informal setting.

Hors d’oeuvres at 5:30 p.m.;
The program begins at 6:00 p.m.
Seating is limited—come early.


UMMNH would like to thank Conor O’Neill’s for 15 years of support for our Science Cafés. Their continued commitment brings U-M faculty into the Ann Arbor community to discuss current research topics.