Speaker
Description
Keywords: Risk perception, public awareness, near-Earth objects, research design, emergency management
Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) are a low probability-high consequence hazard with potentially catastrophic impacts. The Chelyabinsk impact in 2014 and recent technological advancements such as the Double Asteroid Redirect Test have brought planetary defense to the fore. There is, however, limited research that addresses perception of NEO risk, meaning that preparedness initiatives are based on differing understanding of the risks faced, which compromises response efficacy. Preparedness begins at the local level and requires a global collaborative effort as the impacts of a NEO strike could overwhelm community lifelines, infrastructure, and local capabilities. The aim of this proposed study is, therefore, to critically evaluate how the public, emergency managers, and NEO subject matter experts perceive the risk of NEOs.
The proposed study is informed by an inductive system of logic, social construction philosophy, web-based self-completed questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and qualitative content analysis methodology. First, members of the public will be snowball sampled to participate in a web-based self-completed questionnaire relating to their knowledge, perception, and conceptualization of NEO risk. Second, local and state-level emergency managers and NEO subject matter experts will be snowball sampled for semi-structured interviews relating to their knowledge, perception, and conceptualization of NEO risk. Third, the resultant data will be analyzed using computer-assisted qualitative content analysis to determine differences in NEO risk perception and knowledge between the three participant groups.
This proposed study will highlight the differences between the general public, emergency managers, and NEO subject matter experts. For example what is not being properly communicated to the public about NEOs? What are the publics’ misconceptions about the threat of NEOs? What information do local emergency managers want to know to increase NEO preparedness for their communities? Results from this study will help to bridge the gap between scientific experts and localized communities to enhance planetary defense.