Misperception of Extreme Weather Event Mortality Risk in the United States

Abstract

Communicating the risks posed by extreme weather events remains a challenge for researchers and policy makers. This study evaluates the gap between public perceptions on climate risk and scientific estimates of mortality burden from climate-related extreme weather events. Results show each mortality risk perception gap follows a similar spatial pattern to the observed attributable mortality rate. The perception that “global warming is happening” was significantly associated with smaller risk perception gaps for all extreme weather events. Improving population-level understanding of climate change is critical to reducing health risks associated with extreme weather events and to motivate climate-oriented actions.