Climate Change Risk Perception Among Citizens Living in Five Municipalities of Abruzzo

Abstract

Adequate knowledge of climate change and correct perception of the associated risks by the population are crucial factors for the effectiveness of climate policies.

We analyze this topic by collecting information on the degree of current risk perception and its evolution over the last ten years among citizens living in five municipalities in an area of Abruzzo, a central Italian region. In addition, we gather information on the willingness of citizens to stipulate public insurance against damages caused by extreme events.

The paper offers a descriptive analysis of the association between outcomes and individual/household characteristics. We find the degree of risk perception is relatively high, as around 2/3 of respondents believe the current risk of suffering damage from extreme events related to climate change is high or very high. More than 90% also believe that this risk has increased in the last ten years. The perception, however, is heterogeneous across population subgroups. Finally, citizens’ inclination toward public insurance covering damage from extreme events is also high.

We also provide a quantitative analysis of the factors affecting the current risk perception by adopting a probit model. The related results essentially confirm evidence from the qualitative analysis and stress, in line with previous studies, the importance of previous damages as a predictor of risk perception.