“Climate change” vs. "Global warming": Different public perceptions, sentiments and explanatory factors in China

Public participation is crucial in building a low-carbon society, yet its effectiveness hinges on the public's understanding of the phrases “climate change” and "global warming". This study examines differences in how the Chinese public perceives these phrases through topic, sentiment, and explanatory factor analysis. It is found that public perceptions of the two phrases vary both temporally and spatially. Topic analysis indicates that public concern about global warming is frequently associated with individual feelings and behavior, whereas climate change often evokes political connotations. Concerning sentiment, most of the Chinese public is indifferent to the adverse consequences of global warming. In terms of explanatory factors, economic factors positively drive public attention to both phrases. Political factors tend to elevate public attention around climate change while diminishing focus on global warming, whereas climate factors exert a greater influence on public attention to global warming.