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Public perceptions of climate change and health – A cross-sectional survey study
Summary
Researchers conducted a cross-sectional survey to assess public perceptions of the links between climate change and human health, examining awareness of how rising temperatures, extreme weather, air pollution, and environmental degradation affect morbidity and mortality. The study found variable levels of public understanding across demographic groups, with implications for health communication and climate policy engagement.
Abstract Background Climate change is inseparably linked to human health and has a direct impact on morbidity and mortality. Increasing temperatures, extreme weather events, air pollution and altered vector transmissions are leading to cardiovascular, respiratory and infectious diseases. Although there is growing awareness of the threats to human health caused by climate change, it remains unclear how the German population perceives the relevance of climate change and its health consequences. Methods Between May and September 2022, German residents were invited to participate in a cross-sectional online survey. In addition to collecting demographic data, the survey explored three content areas: (1) the relevance of climate change, (2) health risks in connection with climate change and (3) collective and individual options for action against climate change. Data were analysed descriptively. Results Over the 20-week survey period, 697 full data sets were collected for analysis (72% female, 51% ≥55 years old). The majority of participants agreed that human-induced climate change (likely) exists (85%), and that it has an impact on human health (83%). They also perceived the global population to be more strongly impacted by climate change than the German population (89% versus 74%). Most (68%) participants saw themselves affected by climate change, and approximately one in five respondents (18%) reported negative health experiences due to climate change. Accidents/deaths due to extreme weather events were perceived as the most relevant health risk in connection with climate change (62%). The majority (76%) of participants claimed to personally contribute to climate protection and 23% felt that their city or council contributed to climate protection. Conclusion Although the majority of participants saw climate change as a threat to human health, they perceived other population groups (i.e. outside of Germany) to be most strongly affected. Cognitive dissonance might explain this lack of individual concern. One approach to addressing such distorted perceptions might be the dissemination of appropriate risk communication highlighting existing health threats due to climate change, with health professionals involved in the communication. Cities and councils should play a more active role in promoting climate protection and make their actions visible to the public.
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