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. 2017 Feb 1:579:529-536.
doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.11.064. Epub 2016 Nov 16.

Integrating new indicators of predictors that shape the public's perception of local extreme temperature in China

Jie Ban  1 , Lei Huang  2 , Chen Chen  3 , Yuming Guo  4 , Mike Z He  5 , Tiantian Li  6
Affiliations

Integrating new indicators of predictors that shape the public's perception of local extreme temperature in China

Jie Ban et al. Sci Total Environ. .

Abstract

The public's risk perception of local extreme heat or cold plays a critical role in community health and prevention under climate change. However, there is limited evidence on such issues in China where extreme weather is occurring more frequently due to climate change. Here, a total of 2500 residents were selected using a three-step sampling method and investigated by a questionnaire in two representative cities. We investigated risk perception of extreme heat in Beijing and extreme cold in Harbin in 2013, aiming to examine their possible correlations with multiple epidemiological factors. We found that exposure, vulnerability, and adaptive ability were significant predictors in shaping public risk perceptions of local extreme temperature. In particular, a 1°C increase in daily temperature resulted in an increased odds of perceiving serious extreme heat in Beijing (OR=1.091; 95% CI: 1.032, 1.153), while a 1°C increase in daily temperature resulted in a decreased odds of perceiving serious extreme cold in Harbin (OR=0.965; 95% CI: 0.939, 0.992). Therefore for both extreme heat and cold, frequent local extreme temperature exposure may amplify a stronger communication. Health interventions for extreme temperature should consider exposure, vulnerability, and adaptive ability factors. This will help improve the public's perception of climatic changes and their willingness to balance adaption and mitigation appropriately.

Keywords: Local extreme cold; Local extreme heat; Public risk perception.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest statement

We declare that we have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
The estimated effects of daily temperature on risk perception of extreme heat/cold and related health risks. Perceived severity of heat wave will significantly increase with 1 °C increase in daily temperature; while perceived severity of cold spell and cold-related health risk will decrease with 1 °C increase in daily temperature.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
The estimated effects of extreme days during the last 7 days before the survey on risk perception of extreme heat/cold and related health risks. Perceived severity of heat wave will significantly increase when there were extreme heat days occurred during the last 7 days.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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