[BasLeijdekkers]

It seems to me that this is another case where association does not equal causation. Just because both the economy is bad and climate change acceptance is low, does not mean that one is causing the other, no matter how strong the association.

[njharman]

Just because it is morning and sun is rising, does not mean that one is causing the other, no matter how strong the association.

But, it does mean that there is a statistically high correlation between it being morning and the sun rising. Just like in the OA going back however far OA said the economy and belief in climate change had inverse relationship.

No one but you claimed one caused the other. correlation != cause & effect.

[BasLeijdekkers]

Sorry, I can't tell if you are agreeing or disagreeing with me. My position is that the study authors are suggesting a cause and effect relationship which is not supported by the evidence. From the article: "Based on their statistical analysis, the authors conclude the economy is the strongest influence on the public's acceptance of climate science". They only found a correlation and like you say correlation != cause & effect.