IN-PERSON Lisbon Livable Cities. Section A

Abstract

Risk perception research is crucial in flood risk management, environmental policies, and assessing environmental attitudes and biases. Survey methods are often used to assess a large population’s perception of specific risks, such as natural hazards. However, these methods may have pre-determined risks that may condition participants’ thinking. This study uses “collective introspection” to allow participants to reflect on their personal situations and analyze existing and future risks. The method begins with a presentation on climate change issues from national and city levels, followed by a “collective introspection” exercise where participants respond to curated statements. This exercise allows participants to see their position in relation to others and potentially leads to a collective understanding. The research aims to present how reflective methods such as collective introspection helps in examining perceptions of existing and future risks, coping mechanisms, and goals to address these risks. This method can help identify interconnections or gaps in a community’s risk perception in relation to government policy documents that have identified risks in the communities where participants live.