By Terrell Johnson Published: Sep 6, 2013, 6:37 AM EDT weather.com
MARIO TAMA/GETTY IMAGES
Waves break in front of a destroyed amusement park wrecked by Hurricane Sandy on Oct. 31, 2012, in Seaside Heights, N.J.
More than 80 percent of people around the world think climate change will lead to more natural disasters in the future, while nearly the same number fear they'll be affected by a natural disaster in the next 20 years, according to a new poll released by the European insurance giant Swiss Re.
Released in late August, the poll reveals that the average person around the world is "acutely aware" of the climate risks ahead in the not-too-distant future. While they're ready to shoulder a big part of the financial burden those risks impose, members of the public also want their government leaders to do more to prepare for a riskier world, Swiss Re reports.
The poll's findings include:
- 84 percent believe climate change will be responsible for more natural disasters in the future.
- Nearly 8 in 10 fear damage from an earthquake, flood or other natural disaster sometime in the next 20 years.
- 75 percent would use renewable energy if it were more available.
- 91 percent want their government to do more to promote energy efficiency.
"These findings show that individuals are willing to take as much responsibility as their leaders," said David Cole, Swiss Re Group's chief risk officer, in a press release. "The findings are a call for better cooperation between government and the private sector. It's vital to prepare systematically for the future and make societies more resilient."
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