Climate change is the result of human behavior and choices. Solving the problem requires changing us - lots of us - as well as changing the policies that contribute to the problem. Our research center was created to conduct unbiased social science research that will facilitate such changes.

We use social science research methods – experiments, surveys, in-depth interviews and other methods – to find ways of effectively engaging the public and policy makers in becoming part of the solution. Changing people’s behavior – as consumers and as citizens – is notoriously difficult, but many social change campaigns have been wildly successful. Consider, for example, the declines in smoking and littering, and the increases in seat belt use and recycling over the past few decades. Social science research played important roles in all of these successes.

Our mission is to conduct unbiased public engagement research - and to help government agencies, non-profit organizations, and companies apply the results of this research - so that collectively, we can stabilize our planet's life sustaining climate. Download a copy of our brochure.  

NEW! We are currently taking nominations for 2010 Climate Change Communicator of the Year. We intend to honor a person – or an organization – who in 2009 most successfully used communication to engage the public (or other more targeted audiences) in the issue of climate change. To submit a nomination, please send us an email with the name and/or organization, one to three paragraphs of explanation or justification, and any web links, if applicable. Please email your nominations to us at climate@gmu.edu by December 1, 2009.