Climate Change as an Involuntary Exposure: A Comparative Risk Perception Study from Six Countries across the Global
Meredith Gartin1, Kelli L Larson2, Alexandra Brewis3
1School of Public Health, University of Alabama Birmingham, 1665 University Blvd., 310F Ryals Public Health Building, Birmingham, AL 35205-0022, USA.
Summary
People perceive climate change risks differently based on location and development. Developed areas show a stronger hyperopia effect, indicating a broader risk mitigation perspective for climate-related health impacts.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Psychology
- Public Health
- Climate Change Adaptation
Background:
- Climate change is an involuntary exposure, posing risks to health and living standards.
- Previous research often focused on single communities or nations.
- Understanding diverse risk perceptions is crucial for effective climate action.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine risk perceptions and beliefs about climate change likelihood, timing, and location.
- To assess perceptions of government responsibility and personal efficacy in climate change mitigation.
- To explore how climate risks amplify individual health and well-being concerns.
Main Methods:
- Cross-cultural comparative study across six diverse city sites.
- Survey data collected from 401 participants.
- Analysis of risk perceptions, beliefs, and the hyperopia effect.
Main Results:
- The hyperopia effect, a tendency to view risks as more distant, was observed across all sites.
- This effect was more pronounced in developed study sites.
- Developed sites demonstrated a broader perspective on mitigating climate-related health risks.
Conclusions:
- Risk perception of climate change varies significantly with national development.
- Developed nations may possess more comprehensive strategies for climate change adaptation.
- Addressing the hyperopia effect is key for global climate change resilience.
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