The risk perceptions of people also shape their behaviours in coping with disaster risks. For example, based on their longstanding observations and local knowledge, communities in the southern part of the Peruvian Andes identified the shrinking of glaciers, more frequent and intense extreme weather events, more extreme temperatures and shortened rainy seasons as key challenges. The recognition of local knowledge is key to addressing these challenges, as well as providing a basis for the transformation of current systems. A lack of community involvement and participation in decision making on how to address disaster risk can contribute to mismatches between perceptions and behaviours in face of those risks, and the actions needed to reduce losses. Therefore, measures which are flexible, address the objectives and needs of all those affected by disasters and bring long-term benefits have more chances of being successful in dealing with future disaster risks.
IPCC
Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability
IPCC Report