In a new study, University of Iowa researchers found that viewers of a video that included iconic shots of planet Earth taken from space, factual information about renewable energy, and a message from an astronaut induced more favorable views of renewable energy.

The researchers created several versions of videos about either solar energy technology or climate change science. 

Some videos contained only facts about the issues. Other videos added "blue marble awe,” or images of Earth from space that the researchers say evoke “the feeling of awe for the Earth arising from the realization that we live on a fragile planet.” Yet another set of videos contains the factual information, the blue marble awe imagery, and a message from a former NASA astronaut.

The videos were assigned in random order and presented to a nationally representative sample of more than 2,800 U.S. adults, balanced on age, gender, race, and education. Participants were asked to write in a few sentences what they thought about the video they watched and to complete a survey that assessed their attitudes toward energy and the environment. 

The video that focuses on blue marble awe, information about solar energy technology, and a direct message from the NASA astronaut had the largest influence on respondents’ attitudes and planned behaviors related to energy and the environment, according to the researchers.

“One important implication is that organizations and educators involved in climate change communication could design videos that both rekindle blue marble awe and provide information related to climate change science and renewable energy technology,” says Ion (Bodi) Vasi, associate professor in the Department of Sociology and Criminology. 

“Given NASA’s new Artemis mission, which aims to return humans to the moon and to inspire a new generation of explorers, I think that humanity has an opportunity to revitalize the blue marble awe, restore trust in science, and enhance awareness about the climate change problem and its solutions,” Vasi adds.

“My research suggests that even small efforts to simultaneously spark awe in the beauty and fragility of our planet and provide information about renewable energy technology or climate change science can inspire action for some people,” Vasi says.

The study was published Jan. 28 in NPJ Climate Action, part of the Nature Publishing Group, and can be accessed here. Vasi is the study’s corresponding author. Mario Paez-Arellano, a graduate student in the Department of Sociology and Criminology, is a co-author. The University of Iowa funded the research.