Abstract

IGNACIO GONZALEZ, Fernando Antonio  and  LONDON, Silvia. Disasters in Argentina: an analysis of preferences and perceptions (2017-2019). Reflexiones [online]. 2021, vol.100, n.2, pp.99-118. ISSN 1659-2859.  http://dx.doi.org/10.15517/rr.v100i2.43115.

Introduction Disasters constitute one of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Perceptions regarding these extreme events and their consequences greatly affect the design and implementation of public policies for adaptation and mitigation.

Main goal In this paper, the determinants of preferences and perceptions about disasters in Argentina (2017-2019) are analyzed.

Method and technique Two waves of a public opinion survey (N = 3056) carried out in 2017 and 2019 are used. Socio-economic and subjective determinants are considered and a regression analysis is carried out. The results of interest include the perception of the probability of dying from a disaster, the preference for greater public spending on safer housing in the face of disasters, and the preference for prioritizing environmental protection or economic growth.

Results The results suggest that material deprivation of the household, province of residence (Mendoza, San Juan and Santa Fe, in particular) and having been previously exposed to disasters significantly affect the perception of disasters. In the same sense, trust in the community and the perception of the ease of receiving public benefits if needed are relevant subjective determinants.

Conclusion In the current climate change context, the findings of this work constitute an input for the elaboration and implementation of disaster preparedness and mitigation policies. In this sense, understanding what experiences or socio-economic factors affect preferences towards environmental protection is of vital importance.

Keywords : Disasters; Preferences; Perceptions; Opinion surveys; Argentina.

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