The power of numbers in natural hazard communication

Ellen Peters, Ashli Blow, Daniel A. Chapman and Brittany Shoots-Reinhard

Journal of Risk Research, 2025, vol. 28, issue 3-4, 383-399

Abstract: Challenges and opportunities exist when communicating geohazard risks with numeric evidence. Public innumeracy and experts’ concerns about providing numbers, for example, suggest not showing them. However, people often prefer getting numbers and their provision can increase risk comprehension, trust, engagement, and protective behaviors while supporting informed decision making. Evidence-based communication approaches are needed because how information is communicated can matter as much as what information is presented. We briefly examine four theory-based strategies including: (1) provide numbers, (2) make numbers more manageable, e.g. do the math for people, (3) make numbers more meaningful, and (4) don’t allow narratives to displace data.

Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:taf:jriskr:v:28:y:2025:i:3-4:p:383-399

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DOI: 10.1080/13669877.2025.2512082

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