The Social, Political, Earth & Environmental Research (SPEER) group is dedicated to advancing our understanding of the complex interplay between social, psychological, and environmental factors shaping public attitudes and behaviors related to climate change, severe weather, and energy policies. Our interdisciplinary approach bridges the gap between Earth sciences and social sciences, recognizing that human perceptions and actions are integral to addressing environmental challenges.
We strive to produce high-quality, comprehensive research that informs effective climate communication strategies and policy interventions. By examining the multifaceted influences on climate attitudes—including political ideologies, religious beliefs, personal experiences, and psychological constructs—we aim to provide insights that can help society navigate the pressing environmental issues of our time.
Our ultimate goal is to contribute to the development of more targeted and impactful approaches to climate change mitigation and adaptation, fostering a more sustainable and resilient future for all.
SPEER encompasses a wide range of interconnected research themes:
Our research methodology embraces a comprehensive spectrum of analytical approaches, combining traditional theory-driven statistical methods with cutting-edge machine learning techniques. We employ conventional statistical analyses such as OLS and logistic regression to test hypotheses and establish relationships between variables. However, we also leverage exploratory data analysis using both supervised and unsupervised machine learning algorithms to uncover hidden patterns and generate new insights from our rich dataset.
To enhance interpretability, we utilize explainable AI techniques like SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) values, allowing us to understand the relative importance of different factors in our models. Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques are applied to analyze open-ended responses, providing deeper insights into respondents' thoughts and attitudes.
Central to our approach is the emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. We actively engage students and researchers from diverse backgrounds.. This interdisciplinary synergy fosters innovative perspectives and methodologies, enabling us to tackle complex environmental and social issues from multiple angles, ultimately leading to more comprehensive and impactful research outcomes.
