Research conducted by researchers at the University of Gothenburg shows that people tend to rate their own risk of being affected by climate change as lower than that of others. This perception may reduce individuals’ willingness to act and slow down necessary climate measures.
The researchers observed the effect in Europe, the United States and Asia, but the discrepancy was most pronounced among Europeans.
Currently, some of the countries most directly affected by climate change are in Europe, like Spain, Switzerland, Germany and France.
Wouldn’t India and Bangladesh, for example, be worse? In summer they get heat waves above 50º C, and I know there’s at least a river in Bangladesh that is being flooded by salt water , and agriculture is becoming impossible. And a lot of people have been dislocated as well in the last decade because of the rising waters.
I should have said “Currently, some of the countries” indeed. I’ll correct it.
The biggest difference between, let’s say Bangladesh and Germany is that in Bangladesh, most of the damage happens to people, in richer countries the damages are heavily material…
Their comment feels like they are ignoring their cup that’s on its way to boiling, while their neighbors has already started.
When those places become inhospitable, they need to go somewhere, and if your climate is already stressed, they won’t be able to start doing anything, since it’s already too late.
If affects everyone, even when it appears it’s only your neighbours. It doesn’t affect them less, just later.