Wildfires pose a significant threat to ecosystems, economies, and public health, and the problem is worsening due to the effects of climate change. In turn, wildfires contribute to climate change by emitting CO2, creating a dangerous and self-perpetuating cycle. To address this issue, a paradigm shift is necessary from a reactive suppression approach to a proactive prevention strategy. Community engagement is a key component of effective prevention, and understanding how people perceive wildfire risk is essential to promote prevention activities. Despite the importance of risk perception, little research has explored how people's cultural worldviews shape their perceptions of wildfire risk and related prevention behaviors. Adopting the perspective of Semiotic-Cultural Psychology theory (SCPT), this preliminary study investigates the relationship between symbolic universes (i.e., cultural worldviews) and the link between risk perception and firewise activities. Using a questionnaire-based survey, responses were collected from 107 Italian participants on their perception of wildfire risk, prevention actions, and symbolic universes. The results show that two out of three symbolic universes moderated the relationship between risk perception and firewise activities, indicating that people's meaning-making is an important factor to consider when promoting preventive practices. The findings also highlight the importance of adopting a holistic approach to wildfire prevention that accounts for the cultural factors that influence risk perception and prevention behaviors. Moreover, it contributes to the literature on risk perception and wildfire prevention, as well as to the literature on the role of symbolic universes in shaping people's behavior. By taking into account people's meaning-making processes, policymakers and practitioners can develop targeted interventions that are more effective in promoting prevention activities.
Exploring the role of symbolic universes in shaping wildfire risk perception and prevention behaviors. A preliminary study
Matteo Reho;
2023-01-01
Abstract
Wildfires pose a significant threat to ecosystems, economies, and public health, and the problem is worsening due to the effects of climate change. In turn, wildfires contribute to climate change by emitting CO2, creating a dangerous and self-perpetuating cycle. To address this issue, a paradigm shift is necessary from a reactive suppression approach to a proactive prevention strategy. Community engagement is a key component of effective prevention, and understanding how people perceive wildfire risk is essential to promote prevention activities. Despite the importance of risk perception, little research has explored how people's cultural worldviews shape their perceptions of wildfire risk and related prevention behaviors. Adopting the perspective of Semiotic-Cultural Psychology theory (SCPT), this preliminary study investigates the relationship between symbolic universes (i.e., cultural worldviews) and the link between risk perception and firewise activities. Using a questionnaire-based survey, responses were collected from 107 Italian participants on their perception of wildfire risk, prevention actions, and symbolic universes. The results show that two out of three symbolic universes moderated the relationship between risk perception and firewise activities, indicating that people's meaning-making is an important factor to consider when promoting preventive practices. The findings also highlight the importance of adopting a holistic approach to wildfire prevention that accounts for the cultural factors that influence risk perception and prevention behaviors. Moreover, it contributes to the literature on risk perception and wildfire prevention, as well as to the literature on the role of symbolic universes in shaping people's behavior. By taking into account people's meaning-making processes, policymakers and practitioners can develop targeted interventions that are more effective in promoting prevention activities.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
