The transnational influence of natural disasters on environmental attitudes

Abstract

Natural disasters can affect individuals' views about the environment, especially when these events are extreme and experienced by people directly (locally). In one of the first comprehensive and systematic attempts, we explore whether a similar relationship exists transnationally - a cross-border effect stemming from environmental disasters abroad on public opinion 'at home'. Spatial analyses present robust evidence that people's environmental salience attitudes are substantially driven by disaster-related deaths in nearby countries. It follows that environmental disasters cannot be treated as isolated incidents within state borders, but they rather have far-reaching, transnational consequences on public opinion and, potentially, policy. Accordingly, this research adds to our understanding of environmental politics, public opinion, natural disasters and diffusion effects.