Use of weather and climate information: risk perception and decision-making in Antarctica, the sub-Antarctic and Australia | Natural Hazards Research Australia

Use of weather and climate information: risk perception and decision-making in Antarctica, the sub-Antarctic and Australia

Research theme

Resilient communities

Project type

Associate student research

Project status

In progress

The aim of this PhD research is to investigate user and expert cognition and behaviour around the use of environmental (weather, water, ice, and climate) information in Australia and Antarctica so that we may improve weather services, education and risk communication in these regions.

Project details

Findings from this research may be applied to build more prepared and resilient communities through helping people to understand their hazard risks, develop situational awareness and make safer weather-related decisions, particularly during severe or extreme weather events. The research may also be applicable to weather services and weather risk communication for other remote communities such as those in the Arctic. Additionally, there is limited research available on weather risk communication compared to other hazards (e.g., radon, nuclear radiation, earthquakes, viruses), thus the research will contribute to the wider risk communications field. Broadening risk communication research will aid in improving the understanding and communication of risk information in hazardous environments, about climate change or during potential disasters like cyclones and bushfires.