Changes in trust in environmental organisations and the implicataions for their legitimising strategies

Abstract

This article examines trust in environmental organisations as sources of information on climate change, in light of the highly charged political debate in Australia. Trust is understood in terms of expectations of others’ behaviour and is underwritten by various sources of legitimacy. A total of 1355 respondents were surveyed in 2010 and again in 2011, allowing tests for significant changes over time to be conducted. The results showed a decrease in belief in climate change, and a decrease in trust in environmental organisations, which was slightly greater for those who voted for opposition parties. Over the same period, overall trust in government scientists did not change, although significant increases and decreases were found on the basis of voting behaviour. Changes in trust suggest that the reputations of environmental organisations, in particular, are being tarnished, and that these organisations may need to increase their attention to legitimising strategies