Perceptions of ecological risk from natural hazards

This study examines lay perceptions of ecological risk (risk to the health and productivity of natural environments) associated with natural hazards. Ratings of 30 specific characteristics influencing risk judgments and one general risk assessment were obtained from 68 survey respondents for five natural hazards, as well as 28 technologically based hazards. Analyses revealed that the set of natural hazards, on average, were perceived to pose a moderate degree of ecological risk, similar to the set of technological hazards. However, perceptions of natural hazards differed greatly from technological hazards in terms of numerous risk characteristics. In general, natural hazards were seen as having less impact on ecosystems and on species, offering less benefits to human society, having less impact on humans, and being far less avoidable. Additional comparisons are reported, and implications for risk management and communication are discussed.