This research will study public perceptions of possible global climate change. The goals of the study are to examine the relative importance of changes in temperature and precipitation and in air pollution for feelings of physical discomfort, for concerns about the greenhouse effect, and for individuals' willingness to pay new taxes to prevent certain environmental changes from becoming reality. The study will use a factorial survey design where respondents are presented with several hypothetical micro-climate scenarios. The research will take place in the Los Angeles area. The study will contribute to our understanding of public perceptions of changes in climate and the environment, of the public's concern over the greenhouse effect, and of the price it is willing to pay to prevent certain environmental changes from taking place. The study will provide very valuable information that can inform the current debate about the greenhouse effect and the potential increase in mean temperature.
