How people respond to extreme weather risks, with Brett Gelino, PhD, and Gabrielle Wong-Parodi, PhD

Climate resilience depends as much on human behavior as it does on physical infrastructure. Frequent, low-impact weather alerts often trigger habituation, causing individuals to ignore warnings; however, impact-based messaging that provides specific, novel details effectively extends preparation time by increasing urgency. Social dynamics play a critical role, as people frequently look to neighbors and peers to confirm risk before taking action. To combat learned helplessness and disengagement, officials must provide clear, actionable guidance while acknowledging the complex informational ecosystem where citizens verify data through personal networks. Dr. Brett Gelino and Dr. Gabrielle Wong-Parodi emphasize that fostering social connectedness and place attachment is essential for long-term community recovery, as these bonds encourage residents to stay and rebuild after disasters. Integrating these psychological insights into disaster planning ensures that communication strategies remain effective as extreme weather events increase in frequency and magnitude.