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The link between objective measures and subjective perceptions of extreme weather

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  • Franziska Quoß

    (GESIS
    ETH)

Abstract

One potential driver of support for stricter climate policies is a shift in the political preferences of average citizens as they experience more frequent and severe extreme weather due to the accelerating impacts of climate change. However, research to date on the impact of personal experience of extreme weather on (political) attitudes has yielded mixed results. In this study, I argue that one reason for this inconclusiveness is that what average citizens perceive as “extreme weather” is not yet well understood. Combining individual-level Swiss survey data on subjective perceptions of extreme weather with fine-grained objective weather data, I show that, overall, there is only a very weak link between objective measures and subjective perceptions of extreme weather in Switzerland. This finding demonstrates that what laypeople perceive as extreme weather is not yet fully understood.

Suggested Citation

  • Franziska Quoß, 2025. "The link between objective measures and subjective perceptions of extreme weather," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 178(3), pages 1-19, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:climat:v:178:y:2025:i:3:d:10.1007_s10584-024-03842-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s10584-024-03842-y
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