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Using virtual simulations of future extreme weather events to communicate climate change risk

Author

Listed:
  • Terry van Gevelt
  • Brian G McAdoo
  • Jie Yang
  • Linlin Li
  • Fiona Williamson
  • Alex Scollay
  • Aileen Lam
  • Kwan Nok Chan
  • Adam D Switzer

Abstract

Virtual simulations of future extreme weather events may prove an effective vehicle for climate change risk communication. To test this, we created a 3D virtual simulation of a future tropical cyclone amplified by climate change. Using an experimental framework, we isolated the effect of our simulation on risk perceptions and individual mitigation behaviour for a representative sample (n = 1507) of the general public in Hong Kong. We find that exposure to our simulation is systematically associated with a relatively small decrease in risk perceptions and individual mitigation behaviour. We suggest that this is likely due to climate change scepticism, motivation crowding, geographical and temporal distance, high-risk thresholds, feelings of hopelessness, and concerns surrounding the immersiveness of the virtual simulation.

Suggested Citation

  • Terry van Gevelt & Brian G McAdoo & Jie Yang & Linlin Li & Fiona Williamson & Alex Scollay & Aileen Lam & Kwan Nok Chan & Adam D Switzer, 2023. "Using virtual simulations of future extreme weather events to communicate climate change risk," PLOS Climate, Public Library of Science, vol. 2(2), pages 1-13, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pclm00:0000112
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pclm.0000112
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Lisa Dilling & Meaghan E. Daly & William R. Travis & Olga V. Wilhelmi & Roberta A. Klein, 2015. "The dynamics of vulnerability: why adapting to climate variability will not always prepare us for climate change," Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Climate Change, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 6(4), pages 413-425, July.
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