Risk perception of climate change: Empirical evidence for Germany

Abstract

The perception of risks resulting from climate change is a key factor in motivating individual adaptation and prevention behavior, as well as for the support of climate policy measures. Using a generalized ordered logit approach and drawing on a unique data set originating from two surveys conducted in 2012 and 2014, each among more than 6,000 German households, we analyze the determinants of individual risk perception associated with three kinds of natural hazards: heat waves, storms, and floods. Our focus is on the role of objective risk measures and experience with these natural hazards, whose frequency is likely to be affected by climate change. In line with the received literature, the results suggest that personal experience with adverse events and, even more importantly, personal damage therefrom are strong drivers of individual risk perception.