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Measuring the impact of environmental risk and climate change perceptions

Natural disasters currently cost Australia approximately $38 billion annually, with projections indicating an increase to at least $73 billion by 2060 due to climate change, population growth, and rising property values. In 2022, nearly 70% of Australians resided in local government areas (LGAs) affected by at least one natural disaster, highlighting the extensive reach of environmental risks. Belief in climate change among Australians has risen from around 80% (2010–2014) to 91% in 2024. However, only 46% attribute it primarily to human activity, indicating ongoing debates about its causes. Councils are uniquely positioned to address environmental risks due to their close community ties. Their responsibilities span infrastructure resilience, urban planning, public health, and emergency preparedness. Utilizing tools like .id’s Community Views service enables councils to gauge local climate change perceptions, prioritize adaptation strategies, and effectively allocate resources.