Extreme weather is changing how Americans see the world
A Gallup survey finds that disaster victims are more likely to feel that the future is out of their hands.
A recent Gallup and Walton Family Foundation survey reveals that a majority of Americans who have experienced extreme weather feel they are at the mercy of forces beyond their control. The poll found that 38 percent of those who experienced extreme weather events reported this feeling, a 9 percent increase compared to those who hadn't experienced a disaster.
Interestingly, this sense of helplessness did not significantly impact their views on economic opportunities or community preparedness. However, it did affect their perception of control over their lives. The survey also found a record high of 38 percent of Americans reporting extreme weather damage this year, with the South experiencing the most severe impacts.
Despite these findings, research on the long-term effects of disasters on people's beliefs and behaviors remains limited. Some studies suggest that disaster experience can lead to increased support for adaptation measures and government intervention, while others show a decline in trust in government following major disasters. Overall, the new study highlights the complex psychological and political consequences of climate disasters, particularly in terms of perceived agency and trust in government.
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