Our Research
Mason 4C Research: Activating trusted voices for climate solutions
Mason 4C is a ‘think-and-do-tank’ that conducts communication research on public understanding of climate change and activates those insights through effective communication programs and trusted voices that increase engagement with climate solutions. Founded in 2007—and based at the Mason Department of Communication in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences—we engage in four broad activities:
- Research on audiences, messages, and messengers to identify opportunities to build public understanding and political will for climate solutions;
- Building public engagement programs featuring trusted communicators (weathercasters and other journalists, health professionals, and conservatives);
- Helping government agencies, civic organizations, professional associations, and industry associations improve their climate communication; and
- Training students and working professionals to develop their climate communication skills.
Search Our Work
Found 326 Results
October 21, 2025
Advancing and integrating climate and health policy in the United States: Insights from national policy stakeholders
We are pleased to share our new article, “Advancing and integrating climate and health policy in the United States: Insights from national policy stakeholders,” in The Jou...
September 18, 2025
Top Public Worries in the U.S.
Climate change connects directly to many other social issues such as the cost of living, the economy, health, disruption of government services, and national security. Understandin...
September 9, 2025
Top news sources for Global Warmings’ Six Americas
The news media is one of the most important channels for climate change communication. Journalists choose what climate stories to report and how to cover them, which in turn a...
September 8, 2025
About half of Americans understand that global warming is increasing homeowners insurance costs
Global warming is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events such as heatwaves, floods and wildfires. Extreme weather events in turn r...
August 21, 2025
Predictors of willingness to support and engage in nonviolent civil disobedience to defend the climate
We are pleased to announce the publication of a new article, “Predictors of willingness to support and engage in nonviolent civil disobedience to defend the climate,” in t...
August 5, 2025
Heat, work, and worry: How is outdoor employment linked to concern about extreme heat?
June 2025 was the third-hottest June on record, continuing a trend of rising temperatures worldwide. Extreme heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S.—su...
July 7, 2025
Climate Change in the American Mind: Beliefs & Attitudes, Spring 2025
Report Summary This report is based on findings from a nationally representative survey – Climate Change in the American Mind – conducted jointly by the Yale Pro...
June 17, 2025
Climate Change in the American Mind: Politics and Policy, Spring 2025
Report Summary This report is based on findings from a nationally representative survey – Climate Change in the American Mind – conducted jointly by the Yale Program on Clim...
June 12, 2025
Understanding six “key truths” about climate change predicts policy support, discussion, and political advocacy
We are delighted to announce the publication of a new research article, “Understanding six ‘key truths’ about climate change predicts policy support, discussion, an...
June 10, 2025
Dr. John Kotcher Named Interim Director of Mason 4C
The College of Humanities and Social Sciences at George Mason University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. John Kotcher as the interim director of the Center for Climat...
