Framing peak petroleum as a public health problem: audience research and participatory engagement in the United States

Am J Public Health. 2011 Sep;101(9):1620-6. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2011.300230. Epub 2011 Jul 21.

Abstract

Between December 2009 and January 2010, we conducted a nationally representative telephone survey of US adults (n = 1001; completion rate = 52.9%) to explore perceptions of risks associated with peak petroleum. We asked respondents to assess the likelihood that oil prices would triple over the next 5 years and then to estimate the economic and health consequences of that event. Nearly half (48%) indicated that oil prices were likely to triple, causing harm to human health; an additional 16% said dramatic price increases were unlikely but would harm health if they did occur. A large minority (44%) said sharp increases in oil prices would be "very harmful" to health. Respondents who self-identified as very conservative and those who were strongly dismissive of climate change were the respondents most likely to perceive very harmful health consequences.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Commerce
  • Data Collection
  • Economics
  • Female
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Perception*
  • Petroleum / supply & distribution*
  • Public Health*
  • Public Opinion*
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • United States
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Petroleum