The Predictors Of Climate Change Risk Perception Among Residents Of Cebu City

Abstract

Risk perception is an important component in our response, adaptation, and mitigation towards the consequences of climate change. But the rhetoric on risk perception differs for each individual. This could be due to some factors that influence this perception. This study investigated the factors that influence risk perception in city residents of Cebu. An online questionnaire was distributed to 94 respondents from Cebu City through convenience sampling. The questionnaire contained queries on their socio-demographics, value orientations, experience of extreme weather events, social normative beliefs, and risk perception. Results showed that egoistic value orientation and normative beliefs significantly predict risk perception. Egoistic value orientation negatively predicted risk perception which meant that the respondents have less focus on self-enhancement which resulted to an above average risk perception. As for normative beliefs, the knowledge that others were doing something about climate change, in turn, pushes the individual to do something about it as well. Additionally, older respondents showed significantly higher risk perception compared to the younger ones. Some practical implications and policy recommendations were also included.