People who have experienced climate disasters like floods, wildfires, or heatwaves are much more likely to see climate change as a serious threat compared to those who haven’t faced such events. This insight comes from a study led by Fabian Dablander at the University of Amsterdam’s SEVEN climate institute.
The study collected responses from over 128,000 people across 142 countries. It found that personal experiences with climate-related hazards directly shape people’s concerns. Dablander notes, “When someone lives through a devastating heatwave or flood, climate risks become real and hard to ignore.” Such experiences serve as a “gateway,” making climate change feel personal.
Heatwaves, in particular, seem to hit home hardest. Those who have endured extreme heat are more likely to consider climate change a serious threat, regardless of their education level. Other disasters like floods and droughts also affect opinions, but their impact varies between countries. In contrast, events like hurricanes lead to similar increases in concern across different regions. Even lesser-known events, such as mudslides, can strongly influence how people perceive risk.
However, exposure to hazards doesn’t automatically translate to higher concern about climate change at the national level. For instance, many flood-prone nations do not report a high level of worry about climate issues. This disconnect highlights how political messaging, media coverage, and cultural narratives shape public perception. The way officials communicate about disasters can either amplify or diminish the impact of lived experiences.
Different regions also report varying levels of concern. In South America, nearly 75% of people view climate change as a serious threat. In Europe, about half share this sentiment, while Oceania sees higher exposure to dangerous weather, though concern levels differ.
Interestingly, just having lived through extreme weather doesn’t guarantee action on climate policy. While those who face such events may recognize risks more readily, it often requires strong political leadership and clear communication to turn this recognition into practical action. Without that, personal experiences alone may not lead to the needed changes in policy.
Dablander’s research is based on the 2023 World Risk Poll, which combines exposure to hazards with demographic data and measures of resilience. By focusing on individuals within the same countries, the study isolates how personal experiences influence perceptions. This comprehensive analysis shows that what people endure has significant, measurable effects on how they view climate risks worldwide.
As the world faces more extreme weather, more individuals will likely pass through this “gateway” of understanding. The future of climate action depends on how leaders respond, how media frame the narrative, and whether policies align with people’s lived realities. The critical question remains: Can these experiences spark the demand for meaningful climate action?
For further reading, you can visit the study in the journal Environmental Research Letters.
