Study of 7,338 US adults finds plain language raises concern about species loss
A randomized study of 7,338 US adults found that “extinction of plants and animals” prompted more concern and support for conservation policies than terms including “biodiversity loss” and “extinction crisis,” according to research published in npj Biodiversity. The researchers found that “nature loss” performed similarly when accompanied by an explanation and photos; crisis framing had little or no effect.
Bottom line — In the study, familiar wording—not crisis framing—was linked to greater concern and conservation support.
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Participants were randomly assigned one of six terms, presented either alone or with an explanation and photos, the study reports.
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The researchers found that “biodiversity loss” and “biodiversity crisis” scored lowest for familiarity and concern, even with extra context.
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Terminology effects were strongest among political Independents, according to the study.
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The study’s authors said at least 1 million plant and animal species are at risk of extinction, citing IPBES.
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The findings were released near the start of the UN Biodiversity Conference in Yerevan, where representatives of 195 countries were reviewing progress on global nature targets.
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