Climate Change Is Worse for Other People: Why We Underestimate Our Own Risk

Climate Change Is Worse for Other People: Why We Underestimate Our Own Risk

If you’ve ever thought climate change mostly affects “other people,” you’re not alone. Recent research shows that many of us tend to believe that the impacts of climate change are worse for others — not ourselves. This mismatch in perception can have a real impact on how seriously we take the issue and how willing we are to change our behavior.

A fascinating meta-analysis looked at 83 studies involving over 70,000 participants across 17 countries. The results? People systematically underestimate their own personal risk related to climate change, while overestimating how much it affects others. This finding really made me pause and think about how we view climate change in our daily lives.

Why Do We Think Climate Change Is Worse for Other People?

This phenomenon is known as the “optimism bias” or “third-person effect.” It’s that comforting feeling that bad things are more likely to happen to others than to ourselves. For example, we might hear about rising sea levels threatening some faraway city and think, “That’s terrible, but it won’t really affect me.”

But climate change isn’t just a distant problem. Floods, wildfires, heatwaves, and extreme weather are hitting communities all over the world — including many right where we live.

What Does This Mean for Action?

Underestimating our own risk can make climate change feel less urgent personally, which means fewer people might take steps to reduce their carbon footprint or support climate policies. When we think the effects are “worse for other people,” it’s easy to feel less motivated to change our lifestyle or push for bigger systemic change.

For example, I remember after a heatwave that hit my city, several friends said, “It was bad, but it’s nothing compared to what’s happening in other places.” While it’s true some places suffer more, this kind of thinking can dull our sense of urgency even when local conditions are worsening.

The Science Behind the Meta-Analysis

The meta-analysis, published in Nature Sustainability, gave us a clear picture across very diverse populations. Despite cultural and regional differences, this tendency to downplay personal climate risk was consistent. That means the challenge isn’t just about educating people on climate science — it’s about addressing a deep psychological bias.

You can check out the study here: Nature Sustainability Climate Risk Study.

How Can We Bridge This Perception Gap?

Understanding that this bias exists is the first step. Once we’re aware that we’re likely underestimating our own risks, we can try to refocus our attention. Here are a few things we can all do:

• Connect the dots locally. Look for how climate change is already affecting your community. Are floods more frequent? Are heatwaves lasting longer? Personalizing the problem helps bring it home.
• Share stories. When you talk about climate change, highlight real experiences from people close to you or your area. This makes it feel more immediate.
• Stay informed. Science is always evolving, and staying updated helps keep the issue relevant.

Why Personal Awareness Matters More Than Ever

We’re living in a time when climate change’s impacts are accelerating. From food shortages to extreme weather disasters, the consequences are mounting. When people think climate change is worse for other people, they tend to distance themselves from the problem, which can delay important action.

Personally, learning about this bias has made me more aware of how I perceive climate risks. I’m more attentive to local climate news and try to think about what steps I can take to prepare and reduce my impact. It’s empowering to see what small changes can add up to when done collectively.

If you’d like to dive deeper into how climate change affects various communities and what you can do, check out this related post about local climate actions.

Final Thoughts

Climate change is worse for other people — at least, that’s how many of us feel. But recognizing this bias helps us shift perspective. By acknowledging our own risks, we can better understand the urgent need for action, both personally and globally.

Remember, climate change isn’t just a problem for “other people” far away. It affects all of us in different ways. Taking that to heart is the first step toward meaningful change.

Photo credit: An abstract representation of global climate impacts with people from diverse communities facing weather challenges.