Bio


GABRIELLE WONG-PARODI is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth System Science and Center Fellow at the Woods Institute for the Environment at Stanford University. She is an interdisciplinary social scientist, theoretically grounded in psychology and decision science, who seeks to understand (1) how people make decisions to address the impacts of climate change, and (2) how robust interventions can empower them to make decisions that serve their lives, communities, and society. Her work focuses on frontline communities who experience the "first and worst" of climate change. Dr. Wong-Parodi applies multiple convergent methods -- interviews, surveys, experiments, prospective longitudinal designs, ecological momentary assessments, and remote and personal sensing. When working with frontline communities, she pursues a community-based approach where research is a true collaborative enterprise between researchers and communities. She has worked on a range of topics related to climate change including energy, adaptation, mitigation, emerging technologies, conservation, health, and sustainability in the U.S., China, and Costa Rica. Currently she is serving as a member of the American Psychological Association's Climate Change Task Force, the National Academies advisory board to the U.S. Global Climate Change Research Program, and the National Science Foundation's Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure Science Plan. Dr. Wong-Parodi received her B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley, and her M.A. and Ph.D. in Social and Behavioral Sciences from the Energy and Resources Group at the University of California - Berkeley.

Academic Appointments


Professional Education


  • PhD, University of California, Berkeley, Social and Behavioral Sciences (Energy and Resources Group) (2011)
  • MA, University of California, Berkeley, Social and Behavioral Sciences (Energy and Resources Group) (2007)
  • BA, University of California, Berkeley, Psychology (2003)

Current Research and Scholarly Interests


Current projects include: investigating behavioral responses to hurricanes and sea-level rise; developing and testing decision support tools to enhance adaptive capacity and health outcomes; investigating awareness of and behavioral responses to wildfire smoke and informational campaigns; investigating behavioral drivers of the adoption and use of emerging transportation services and technologies.

2024-25 Courses


Stanford Advisees


All Publications


  • Exploring antecedents to climate migration: sense of place, fear and worry, and experience ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS Rubin, N., Garfin, D., Wong-Parodi, G. 2024; 19 (10)
  • Dynamic model of climate action ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS Wong-Parodi, G., Relihan, D. P., Garfin, D. 2024; 19 (9)
  • Quantifying wildland fire resources deployed during the compound threat of COVID-19. Scientific reports Wells, E. M., Beval, E., Kay, S., Small, M. J., Wong-Parodi, G. 2024; 14 (1): 20039

    Abstract

    Fire agencies across the United States must make complex resource allocation decisions to manage wildfires using a national network of shared firefighting resources. Firefighters play a critical role in suppressing fires and protecting vulnerable communities. However, they are exposed to health and safety risks associated with fire, smoke inhalation, and infectious disease transmission. The COVID-19 pandemic further complicated these risks, prompting fire agencies to propose resource management adaptations to minimize COVID-19 exposure and transmission. It is unclear if and how the pandemic may have operationally influenced wildland firefighting personnel resource use given compounding wildfire and COVID-19 risks. Therefore, we developed generalized linear mixed models that were fit using multiple integrated datasets to detect changes in personnel resource use for years prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic, while controlling for historical fire and landscape conditions, societal risks, and management objectives. Analyses of observed and predicted firefighting resource use revealed reductions in the mean personnel resources used per wildfire per day during the pandemic for models developed across the western U.S. and for various western U.S. fire regions. Notably, the Northern California and the Great Basin Coordination Centers showed statistically significant reductions in ground personnel use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learning from wildland fire management strategies and resource use trends that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, fire agencies can better anticipate resource constraints that may arise during the compounding threats of severe wildland fire activity and infectious disease outbreaks to proactively prepare and adapt suppression management strategies.

    View details for DOI 10.1038/s41598-024-65942-0

    View details for PubMedID 39198474

    View details for PubMedCentralID 8443318

  • Climate change anxiety, hurricane exposure, and climate change actions and attitudes: results from a representative, probability-based survey of US Gulf Coast residents. The Lancet. Planetary health Garfin, D. R., Wong-Parodi, G. 2024; 8 (6): e378-e390

    Abstract

    Exposure to climate change-related threats (eg, hurricanes) has been associated with mental health symptoms, including post-traumatic stress symptoms. Yet it is unclear whether climate change anxiety, which is understudied in representative samples, is a specific mental health threat, action motivator, or both, particularly in populations exposed to climate-change related disasters. We sought to examine the associations between exposure to hurricanes, climate change anxiety, and climate change actions and attitudes in a representative sample of US Gulf Coast residents.This study used data from a 5-year, representative, prospectively assessed, probability-based, longitudinal cohort sample of residents in Texas and Florida (USA) exposed to exogenous catastrophic hurricanes rated category 3 or greater. Participants were adults aged 18 years and older and were initially recruited from the Ipsos KnowledgePanel in the 60 h before Hurricane Irma (Sept 8-11, 2017). Relationships between climate change anxiety, hurricane exposure, hurricane-related post-traumatic stress symptoms, general functional impairment, and climate change-related individual-level actions (eg, eating a plant-based diet and driving more fuel efficient cars) and collective-level actions (eg, petition signing and donating money) and climate change action attitudes were evaluated using structural equation modelling.The final survey was completed by 1479 individuals (787 [53·2%] women and 692 [46·8%] men). Two climate change anxiety subscales (cognitive-emotional impairment and perceived experience of climate change) were confirmed using confirmatory factor analysis. Mean values were low for both climate change anxiety subscales: cognitive-emotional impairment (mean 1·31 [SD 0·63], range 1-5) and perceived climate change experience (mean 1·67 [SD 0·89], range 1-5); these subscales differentially predicted outcomes. The cognitive-emotional impairment subscale did not significantly correlate with actions or attitudes; its relationship with general functional impairment was attenuated by co-occurring hurricane-related post-traumatic stress symptoms, which were highly correlated with general functional impairment in all three models (all p<0·0001). The perceived climate change experience subscale correlated with climate change attitudes (b=0·57, 95% CI 0·47-0·66; p<0·0001), individual-level actions (b=0·34, 0·21-0·47; p<0·0001), and collective-level actions (b=0·22, 0·10-0·33; p=0·0002), but was not significantly associated with general functional impairment in any of the final models. Hurricane exposure correlated with climate change-related individual-level (b=0·26, 0·10-0·42; p=0·0011) and collective-level (b=0·41, 0·26-0·56; p<0·0001) actions.Expanded treatment for post-traumatic stress symptoms after disasters could help address climate change-related psychological distress; experiences with climate change and natural hazards could be inflection points to motivate action.National Science Foundation and the National Center for Atmospheric Research.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/S2542-5196(24)00100-1

    View details for PubMedID 38849180

  • Eco-emotions as the planetary boundaries: framing human emotional and planetary health in the global environmental crisis. The Lancet. Planetary health Voski, A., Wong-Parodi, G., Ardoin, N. M. 2024; 8 Suppl 1: S1

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: Affective processes play an important role in physical and mental health and in adaptation responses to the global environmental crisis. Eco-emotions-emotions that are substantially associated with the environment and anthropogenic changes happening within it-are complex and culturally varied. Despite the disproportionate impact of the global environmental crisis on low-income and middle-income countries, most psychological research to date has been conducted in high-income countries and has focused on climate change and negative climate emotions (eg, climate anxiety). The absence of diverse, globally representative evidence about emotions associated with the global environmental crisis beyond climate change hinders evidence-based action on psychological adaptation and the development of contextually and culturally appropriate coping strategies toward the wider range of negative anthropogenic effects. To account for this wider range of anthropogenic effects, we previously introduced an eco-emotions framework built on the planetary boundaries concept. We aimed to apply this framework to the current research on eco-emotional responses to identify remaining gaps that hinder evidence-based action.METHODS: We conducted a literature review of peer-reviewed studies assessing core affect (ie, emotional valence and arousal) and emotions with emphasis on study populations from low-income and middle-income countries and on the eight non-climate change planetary boundaries (biodiversity loss, freshwater use, ocean acidification, chemical pollution, air pollution, land system change, ozone depletion, and nitrogen and phosphorus perturbation). We searched Web of Science from database inception to Oct 31, 2023, for observational empirical studies of adults, using planetary boundary-specific (eg, freshwater use) or wider, newer, or overarching emotional concept (eg, solastalgia, environmental change) search terms.FINDINGS: In contrast to previous climate emotions work, our preliminary results of 135 peer reviewed studies identified a significant body of literature beyond climate change concerning emotional responses to the planetary boundaries of biodiversity loss, freshwater scarcity, and chemical pollution as well as emerging evidence of emotional responses to the other five planetary boundaries.INTERPRETATION: We found that the spectrum of eco-emotional responses ranged from being specific to a single planetary boundary to encompassing all planetary boundaries. Our findings underscore the importance of and urgent need for more holistic and diverse psychological intervention strategies targeting the wider range of anthropogenic effects during the rapidly intensifying global environmental crisis.FUNDING: Emmett Interdisciplinary Program in Environment and Resources; McGee and Levorsen Research Grant Program; and Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society at Stanford University.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/S2542-5196(24)00066-4

    View details for PubMedID 38632904

  • A longitudinal investigation of risk perceptions and adaptation behavior in the US Gulf Coast. PNAS nexus Wong-Parodi, G., Relihan, D. P., Garfin, D. R. 2024; 3 (4): pgae099

    Abstract

    Climate change is occurring more rapidly than expected, requiring that people quickly and continually adapt to reduce human suffering. The reality is that climate change-related threats are unpredictable; thus, adaptive behavior must be continually performed even when threat saliency decreases (e.g. time has passed since climate-hazard exposure). Climate change-related threats are also intensifying; thus, new or more adaptive behaviors must be performed over time. Given the need to sustain climate change-related adaptation even when threat saliency decreases, it becomes essential to better understand how the relationship between risk perceptions and adaptation co-evolve over time. In this study, we present results from a probability-based representative sample of 2,774 Texas and Florida residents prospectively surveyed 5 times (2017-2022) in the presence and absence of exposure to tropical cyclones, a climate change-related threat. Distinct trajectories of personal risk perceptions emerged, with higher and more variable risk perceptions among the less educated and those living in Florida. Importantly, as tropical cyclone adaptation behaviors increased, personal risk perceptions decreased over time, particularly in the absence of storms, while future tropical cyclone risk perceptions remained constant. In sum, adapting occurs in response to current risk but may inhibit future action despite increasing future tropical cyclone risks. Our results suggest that programs and policies encouraging proactive adaptation investment may be warranted.

    View details for DOI 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae099

    View details for PubMedID 38595802

  • Emotions, worry, efficacy, and climate change-related sustainability behaviors among a representative sample of Texas and Florida residents CLIMATIC CHANGE Garfin, D., Zernick, M. V., Wong-Parodi, G. 2024; 177 (3)
  • Descriptive social norms, social support, and behavioral response to climate-related and co-occurring health hazards JOURNAL OF RISK RESEARCH Santana, F. N., Herbert, N., Wong-Parodi, G. 2024
  • Supply, demand and polarization challenges facing US climate policies NATURE CLIMATE CHANGE Burgess, M. G., Van Boven, L., Wagner, G., Wong-Parodi, G., Baker, K., Boykoff, M., Converse, B. A., Dilling, L., Gilligan, J. M., Inbar, Y., Markowitz, E., Moyer, J. D., Newton, P., Raimi, K. T., Shrum, T., Vandenbergh, M. P. 2024
  • Associations between mindfulness and mental health after collective trauma: results from a longitudinal, representative, probability-based survey. Anxiety, stress, and coping Lorenzini, J. A., Wong-Parodi, G., Garfin, D. R. 2023: 1-18

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Trait mindfulness (TM) may protect against post-trauma mental health ailments and related impairment. Few studies have evaluated this association in the context of collective traumas using representative samples or longitudinal designs.DESIGN/METHOD: We explored relationships between TM and collective trauma-related outcomes in a prospective, representative, probability-based sample of 1846 U.S. Gulf Coast residents repeatedly exposed to catastrophic hurricanes, assessed twice during the COVID-19 outbreak (Wave 1: 5/14/20-5/27/20; Wave 2: 12/21/21-1/11/22). Generalized estimating equations examined longitudinal relationships between TM, COVID-19-related fear/worry, hurricane-related fear/worry, global distress, and functional impairment; ordinary least squares regression analyses examined the cross-sectional association between TM and COVID-19-related posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) at Wave 1. Event-related stressor exposure was explored as a moderator.RESULTS: In covariate-adjusted models including pre-event mental health ailments and demographics, TM was negatively associated with COVID-19-related fear/worry, hurricane-related fear/worry, global distress, and functional impairment over time; in cross-sectional analyses, TM was negatively associated with COVID-19-related PTSS. TM moderated the relationship between COVID-19 secondary stressor exposure (e.g., lost job/wages) and both global distress and functional impairment over time.CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest TM may buffer adverse psychosocial outcomes following collective trauma, with some evidence TM may protect against negative effects of secondary stressor exposure.

    View details for DOI 10.1080/10615806.2023.2267454

    View details for PubMedID 37885136

  • Visual displays for communicating scientific uncertainty in influenza forecasts FRONTIERS IN COMMUNICATION Yang, Y., Wong-Parodi, G., Fischhoff, B. 2023; 8
  • Malama i ke kai: Exploring psychosocial factors associated with personal and community coral reef conservation behavior on Maui, Hawai'i CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE Santana, F. N., Yurkanin, A., Stark, T. E., Lindsey, E., Ardoin, N. M., Wong-Parodi, G. 2023

    View details for DOI 10.1111/csp2.13002

    View details for Web of Science ID 001049879300001

  • Enabling pathways for sustainable livelihoods in planned relocation NATURE CLIMATE CHANGE Bower, E. R., Badamikar, A., Wong-Parodi, G., Field, C. B. 2023
  • Improving adaptation to wildfire smoke and extreme heat in frontline communities: evidence from a community-engaged pilot study in the San Francisco Bay Area ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS Herbert, N., Beckman, C., Cannedy, C., Cao, J., Cho, S., Fischer, S., Huang, S., Kramer, S. J., Lopez, O., Lopez, S., Ouyang, D., Suckale, J., Wulf-Saena, V., Zhang, Z., Wong-Parodi, G. 2023; 18 (7)
  • A research agenda for the science of actionable knowledge: Drawing from a review of the most misguided to the most enlightened claims in the science-policy interface literature ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & POLICY Jagannathan, K., Emmanuel, G., Arnott, J., Mach, K. J., Bamzai-Dodson, A., Goodrich, K., Meyer, R., Neff, M., Sjostrom, K., Timm, K. F., Turnhout, E., Wong-Parodi, G., Bednarek, A. T., Meadow, A., Dewulf, A., Kirchhoff, C. J., Moss, R. H., Nichols, L., Oldach, E., Lemos, M., Klenk, N. 2023; 144: 174-186
  • Community-engaged research is stronger and more impactful. Nature human behaviour Wong-Parodi, G. 2022

    View details for DOI 10.1038/s41562-022-01494-5

    View details for PubMedID 36443502

  • Integrating norms into the logic of energy and environmental policymaking ENERGY RESEARCH & SOCIAL SCIENCE Hirsch, K., Wong-Parodi, G., Statler, A. 2022; 93
  • Advancing Interdisciplinary and Convergent Science for Communities: Lessons Learned through the NCAR Early-Career Faculty Innovator Program BULLETIN OF THE AMERICAN METEOROLOGICAL SOCIETY Bukvic, A., Mandli, K., Finn, D., Mayo, T., Wong-Parodi, G., Merdjanoff, A., Alland, J., Davis, C., Haacker, R., Morss, R., O'Lenick, C., Wilhelmi, O., Lombardozzi, D. 2022; 103 (11): E2513-E2532
  • Media exposure, threat processing, and mitigation behaviors in Gulf Coast residents facing the co-occurring threats of COVID-19 and hurricanes. Risk analysis : an official publication of the Society for Risk Analysis Garfin, D. R., Thompson, R. R., Wong-Parodi, G. 2022

    Abstract

    The 2020 hurricane season threatened millions of Americans concurrently grappling with COVID-19. Processes guiding individual-level mitigation for these conceptually distinct threats, one novel and chronic (COVID-19), the other familiar and episodic (hurricanes), are unknown. Theories of health protective behaviors suggest that inputs from external stimuli (e.g., traditional and social media) lead to threat processing, including perceived efficacy (self- and response) and perceived threat (susceptibility and severity), guiding mitigation behavior. We surveyed a representative sample of Florida and Texas residents (N =1846) between April 14, 2020 and April 27, 2020; many had previous hurricane exposure; all were previously assessed between September 8, 2017 and September 11, 2017. Using preregistered analyses, two generalized structural equation models tested direct and indirect effects of media exposure (traditional media, social media) on self-reported (1) COVID-19 mitigation (handwashing, mask-wearing, social distancing) and (2) hurricane mitigation (preparation behaviors), as mediated through perceived efficacy (self- and response) and perceived threat (susceptibility and severity). Self-efficacy and response efficacy were associated with social distancing (p = .002), handwashing, mask-wearing, and hurricane preparation (ps<0.001). Perceived susceptibility was positively associated with social distancing (p =0.017) and hurricane preparation (p < 0.001). Perceived severity was positively associated with social distancing (p < 0.001). Traditional media exhibited indirect effects on COVID-19 mitigation through increased response efficacy (ps< 0.05), and to a lesser extent self-efficacy (p < 0.05), and on hurricane preparation through increased self-efficacy and response efficacy and perceived susceptibility (ps< 0.05). Social media did not exhibit indirect effects on COVID-19 or hurricane mitigation. Communications targeting efficacy and susceptibility may encourage mitigation behavior; research should explore how social media campaigns can more effectively target threat processing, guiding protective actions.

    View details for DOI 10.1111/risa.14032

    View details for PubMedID 36217752

  • Wildfire Smoke Clean Air Centers: Identifying Barriers and Opportunities for Improvement from California Practitioner and Community Perspectives SOCIETY & NATURAL RESOURCES Treves, R. J., Liu, E., Fischer, S. L., Rodriguez, E., Wong-Parodi, G. 2022
  • As California burns: the psychology of wildfire- and wildfire smoke-related migration intentions. Population and environment Berlin Rubin, N., Wong-Parodi, G. 2022: 1-31

    Abstract

    Climate change impacts and rapid development in the wildland-urban interface are increasing population exposure and vulnerability to the harmful effects of wildfire and wildfire smoke. The direct and indirect effects of these hazards may impact future mobility decisions among populations at risk. To better understand how perceptions and personal experience inform wildfire- and smoke-associated migration intentions, we surveyed a representative sample of 1108 California residents following the 2020 wildfire season. We assessed the associations between threat appraisal, coping appraisal, personal experience, migration intentions, the impact of wildfire and smoke on migration intentions and place satisfaction, and the potential likelihood of future migration. Results indicate that roughly a third of our sample intended to move in the next 5years, nearly a quarter of whom reported that wildfire and smoke impacted their migration decision at least a moderate amount. Prior negative outcomes (e.g., evacuating, losing property) were associated with intentions to migrate. Perceived susceptibility and prior negative outcomes were associated with a greater impact of wildfire and smoke on migration intentions. For those intending to remain in place, prior negative outcomes were associated with a greater impact of wildfire and smoke on place satisfaction, which was in turn associated with a greater reported likelihood of future migration. Our findings suggest that perceptions of and experiences with wildfire and smoke may impact individual mobility decisions. These insights may be leveraged to inform risk communications and outreach campaigns to encourage wildfire and smoke risk mitigation behaviors and to improve climate migration modeling.

    View details for DOI 10.1007/s11111-022-00409-w

    View details for PubMedID 36032962

  • Public risk perceptions of shale gas development: A comprehensive review* ENERGY RESEARCH & SOCIAL SCIENCE Tan, H., Wong-Parodi, G., Zhang, S., Xu, J. 2022; 89
  • Media exposure, risk perceptions, and fear: Americans' behavioral responses to the Ebola public health crisis. International journal of disaster risk reduction : IJDRR Garfin, D. R., Holman, E. A., Fischhoff, B., Wong-Parodi, G., Silver, R. C. 2022; 77

    Abstract

    We examined media exposure, psychological fear and worry, perceptions of risk, and health protective behaviors surrounding the 2014 Ebola virus outbreak in a probability-based, representative, national sample of Americans (N = 3447). Structural equation models examined relationships between amount (hours/day) and content (e.g., graphic images of dead bodies) of media exposure and counts of self-reported health protective behaviors that participants performed or would perform if Ebola spread to their community. Ebola-related risk perceptions and fear and worry were potential mediators. Greater total hours and more graphic media exposure positively correlated with more fear and worry; greater total hours of media exposure also positively correlated with higher perceived risk. Higher risk perceptions were associated with more health protective behaviors performed and intended. Greater fear and worry were associated with more behaviors performed. Amount and content of media exposure exhibited indirect effects on behaviors performed; amount of media exposure had indirect effects on intentions. Media may help promote health protective behaviors during public health threats; the amount and content should be congruent with threat to minimize distress and maximize resources.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijdrr.2022.103059

    View details for PubMedID 37275557

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC10237114

  • Media exposure, risk perceptions, and fear: Americans? behavioral responses to the Ebola public health crisis INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DISASTER RISK REDUCTION Garfin, D., Holman, E., Fischhoff, B., Wong-Parodi, G., Silver, R. 2022; 77
  • Priming close social contact protective behaviors enhances protective social norms perceptions, protection views, and self-protective behaviors during disasters. International journal of disaster risk reduction : IJDRR Wong-Parodi, G., Garfin, D. R. 2022: 103135

    Abstract

    Many people do not make choices that minimize risk in the face of health and environmental threats. Using pre-registered analyses, we tested whether a risk communication that primed perceptions about health-protective preparation and behavior of close social contacts promoted protection views and protective behaviors. From December 10-24, 2020, we fielded a 2 (threat vignette: wildfire or COVID-19) x 3 (social contact prime: control, inaction, or action) experiment to a representative sample of 1108 California residents facing increased COVID-19 cases/deaths, who had recently experienced the most destructive wildfire season in California history. Outcome variables were protection views and protective behavior (i.e., information seeking). Across threat conditions, stronger social norms, efficacy, and worry predicted greater protection views and some protective behaviors. Priming social-contact action resulted in greater COVID-19 information-seeking compared to the control. In the wildfire smoke condition, priming social contact action and inaction increased perceived protective behavior social norms compared to the control; social norms and efficacy partially mediated the relationships of priming with protection views and protective behaviors; and having existing mask supplies enhanced the relationship between priming inaction and greater protection views compared to priming action or control. Findings highlight the importance of social influence for health protection views and protective behaviors. Communications enhancing social norms and self-efficacy that are sensitive to resource contexts may help promote protective behaviors.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijdrr.2022.103135

    View details for PubMedID 35784266

  • Engineers' Roles and Responsibilities in Automated Vehicle Ethics: Exploring Engineering Codes of Ethics as a Guide to Addressing Issues in Sociotechnical Systems JOURNAL OF TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING PART A-SYSTEMS Whitmore, A., Samaras, C., Matthews, H., Wong-Parodi, G. 2022; 148 (6)
  • Support for public safety power shutoffs in California: Wildfire-related perceived exposure and negative outcomes, prior and current health, risk appraisal and worry ENERGY RESEARCH & SOCIAL SCIENCE Wong-Parodi, G. 2022; 88
  • Moving from interdisciplinary to convergent research across geoscience and social sciences: challenges and strategies ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS Finn, D., Mandli, K., Bukvic, A., Davis, C. A., Haacker, R., Morss, R. E., O'Lenick, C. R., Wilhelmi, O., Wong-Parodi, G., Merdjanoff, A. A., Mayo, T. L. 2022; 17 (6)
  • Association Between Repeated Exposure to Hurricanes and Mental Health in a Representative Sample of Florida Residents. JAMA network open Garfin, D. R., Thompson, R. R., Holman, E. A., Wong-Parodi, G., Silver, R. C. 2022; 5 (6): e2217251

    Abstract

    Importance: During the past century, more than 100 catastrophic hurricanes have impacted the Florida coast; climate change will likely be associated with increases in the intensity of future storms. Despite these annual threats to residents, to our knowledge, no longitudinal studies of representative samples at risk of hurricane exposure have examined psychological outcomes associated with repeated exposure.Objective: To assess psychosocial and mental health outcomes and functional impairment associated with repeated hurricane exposure.Design, Setting, and Participants: In this survey study, a demographically representative sample of Florida residents was assessed in the 60 hours prior to Hurricane Irma (wave 1: September 8-11, 2017). A second survey was administered 1 month after Hurricane Irma (wave 2: October 12-29, 2017), and a third survey was administered after Hurricane Michael (wave 3: October 22 to November 6, 2018). Data were analyzed from July 19 to 23, 2021.Exposure: Hurricanes Irma and Michael.Main Outcomes and Measures: The main outcomes were posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), global distress, worry about future events (generalized worries), and functional impairment. Path models were used to assess associations of individual-level factors (prior mental health, recent adversity), prior storm exposures (loss and/or injury, evacuation), and direct, indirect, and media-based exposures to hurricanes Irma and Michael with those outcomes. Poststratification weights were applied to facilitate population-based inferences.Results: Of 2873 individuals administered the survey in wave 1, 1637 responded (57.0% completion rate) (894 [54.6%, weighted] women; mean [SD] age, 51.31 [17.50] years); 1478 in wave 2 (90.3% retention from wave 1) and 1113 in wave 3 (75.3% retention from wave 2) responded. Prior mental health ailments (b, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.07-0.28), prior hurricane-related loss and/or injury (b, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.02-0.17), hours of Hurricane Irma-related media exposure (b, 0.03; 95% CI, 0.02-0.04), being in an evacuation zone during Hurricane Irma and not evacuating (b, 0.14; 95% CI, 0.02-0.27), and loss and/or injury in Hurricane Irma (b, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.25-0.44) were positively associated with PTSS after Hurricane Irma; most associations persisted and were associated with responses to Hurricane Michael. Prior mental health ailments (b, 0.10; 95% CI, 0.03-0.17), hours of Hurricane Michael-related media exposure (b, 0.01; 95% CI, 0.003-0.02), hurricane Irma-related PTSS (b, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.34-0.50), recent individual-level adversity (b, 0.03; 95% CI, 0.005-0.05), being in an evacuation zone during Hurricane Irma and evacuating (b, 0.10; 95% CI, 0.002-0.19), and direct (b, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.16-0.55) and indirect (b, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.05-0.18) Hurricane Michael-related exposures were directly associated with Hurricane Michael-related PTSS. After Hurricane Michael, prior mental health ailments (b, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.06-0.28), and PTSS related to hurricanes Irma (b, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.001-0.22) and Michael (b, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.47-0.69) were associated with respondents' functional impairment. Analogous analyses using global distress and generalized worries as mediators of functional impairment yielded a similar pattern of results.Conclusions and Relevance: In this survey study, repeated direct, indirect, and media-based exposures to hurricanes were associated with increased mental health symptoms among Florida residents who experienced hurricanes Irma and Michael, suggesting that people were sensitized to respond with more psychological symptoms over time. These results may inform targeted public health intervention efforts for natural disasters.

    View details for DOI 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.17251

    View details for PubMedID 35708689

  • Hurricane adaptation behaviors in Texas and Florida: exploring the roles of negative personal experience and subjective attribution to climate change. Environmental research letters : ERL [Web site] Wong-Parodi, G., Rose Garfin, D. 2022; 17 (3)

    Abstract

    Understanding motivation to adopt personal household adaptation behaviors in the face of climate change-related hazards is essential for developing and implementing behaviorally realistic interventions that promote well-being and health. Escalating extreme weather events increase the number of those directly exposed and adversely impacted by climate change. But do people attribute these negative events to climate change? Such subjective attribution may be one cognitive process whereby the experience of negative climate change-related events may increase risk perceptions and motivate people to act. Here we surveyed a representative sample of 1,846 residents of Florida and Texas, many who had been repeatedly exposed to hurricanes on the Gulf Coast, facing the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season. We assessed prior hurricane negative personal experience, climate change-related subjective attribution (for hurricanes), risk appraisal (perceived probability and severity of a hurricane threat), hurricane adaptation appraisal (perceived efficacy of adaptation measures and self-efficacy to address the threat of hurricanes), and self-reported hurricane personal household adaptation. Our findings suggest that prior hurricane negative personal experiences and subjective attribution are associated with greater hurricane risk appraisal. Hurricane subjective attribution moderated the relationship between hurricane negative personal experiences and risk appraisal; in turn, negative hurricane personal experience, hurricane risk appraisal, and adaptation appraisal were positively associated with self-reported hurricane personal adaptation behaviors. Subjective attribution may be associated with elevated perceived risk for specific climate hazards. Communications that help people understand the link between their negative personal experiences (e.g., hurricanes) and climate change may help guide risk perceptions and motivate protective actions, particularly in areas with repeated exposure to threats.

    View details for DOI 10.1088/1748-9326/ac4858

    View details for PubMedID 36506931

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC9731363

  • Hurricane adaptation behaviors in Texas and Florida: exploring the roles of negative personal experience and subjective attribution to climate change ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS Wong-Parodi, G., Garfin, D. 2022; 17 (3)
  • News coverage of ocean issues and its impacts on public perceptions and conservation information-seeking of sea turtles CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE Santos, B. S., Wong-Parodi, G. 2022

    View details for DOI 10.1111/csp2.12650

    View details for Web of Science ID 000755095100001

  • Exploring how climate change subjective attribution, personal experience with extremes, concern, and subjective knowledge relate to pro-environmental attitudes and behavioral intentions in the United States JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY Wong-Parodi, G., Rubin, N. 2022; 79
  • Factors associated with emerging multimodal transportation behavior in the San Francisco Bay Area ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH: INFRASTRUCTURE AND SUSTAINABILITY McAuliffe Wells, E., Small, M., Spurlock, C., Wong-Parodi, G. 2021; 1 (3)
  • A systematic global stocktake of evidence on human adaptation to climate change NATURE CLIMATE CHANGE Berrang-Ford, L., Siders, A. R., Lesnikowski, A., Fischer, A., Callaghan, M. W., Haddaway, N. R., Mach, K. J., Araos, M., Shah, M., Wannewitz, M., Doshi, D., Leiter, T., Matavel, C., Musah-Surugu, J., Wong-Parodi, G., Antwi-Agyei, P., Ajibade, I., Chauhan, N., Kakenmaster, W., Grady, C., Chalastani, V., Jagannathan, K., Galappaththi, E. K., Sitati, A., Scarpa, G., Totin, E., Davis, K., Hamilton, N., Kirchhoff, C. J., Kumar, P., Pentz, B., Simpson, N. P., Theokritoff, E., Deryng, D., Reckien, D., Zavaleta-Cortijo, C., Ulibarri, N., Segnon, A. C., Khavhagali, V., Shang, Y., Zvobgo, L., Zommers, Z., Xu, J., Williams, P., Canosa, I., van Maanen, N., van Bavel, B., van Aalst, M., Turek-Hankins, L. L., Trivedi, H., Trisos, C. H., Thomas, A., Thakur, S., Templeman, S., Stringer, L. C., Sotnik, G., Sjostrom, K., Singh, C., Sina, M. Z., Shukla, R., Sardans, J., Salubi, E. A., Chalkasra, L., Ruiz-Diaz, R., Richards, C., Pokharel, P., Petzold, J., Penuelas, J., Avila, J., Murillo, J., Ouni, S., Niemann, J., Nielsen, M., New, M., Schwerdtle, P., Alverio, G., Mullin, C. A., Mullenite, J., Mosurska, A., Morecroft, M. D., Minx, J. C., Maskell, G., Nunbogu, A., Magnan, A. K., Lwasa, S., Lukas-Sithole, M., Lissner, T., Lilford, O., Koller, S. F., Jurjonas, M., Joe, E., Huynh, L. M., Hill, A., Hernandez, R. R., Hegde, G., Hawxwell, T., Harper, S., Harden, A., Haasnoot, M., Gilmore, E. A., Gichuki, L., Gatt, A., Garschagen, M., Ford, J. D., Forbes, A., Farrell, A. D., Enquist, C. F., Elliott, S., Duncan, E., de Perez, E., Coggins, S., Chen, T., Campbell, D., Browne, K. E., Bowen, K. J., Biesbroek, R., Bhatt, I. D., Kerr, R., Barr, S. L., Baker, E., Austin, S. E., Arotoma-Rojas, I., Anderson, C., Ajaz, W., Agrawal, T., Abu, T. 2021
  • A Decision-Centered Method to Evaluate Natural Hazards Decision Aids by Interdisciplinary Research Teams RISK ANALYSIS Wong-Parodi, G., Small, M. J. 2021; 41 (7): 1118-1128

    View details for DOI 10.1111/risa.13261

    View details for Web of Science ID 000678573300011

  • Applying risk tolerance and socio-technical dynamics for more realistic energy transition pathways APPLIED ENERGY Cotterman, T., Small, M. J., Wilson, S., Abdulla, A., Wong-Parodi, G. 2021; 291
  • Engaging People on Climate Change: The Role of Emotional Responses ENVIRONMENTAL COMMUNICATION-A JOURNAL OF NATURE AND CULTURE Wong-Parodi, G., Feygina, I. 2021
  • A path forward for qualitative research on sustainability in the COVID-19 pandemic. Sustainability science Santana, F. N., Hammond Wagner, C., Berlin Rubin, N., Bloomfield, L. S., Bower, E. R., Fischer, S. L., Santos, B. S., Smith, G. E., Muraida, C. T., Wong-Parodi, G. 2021: 1–7

    Abstract

    The unique strengths of qualitative research, through in-depth inquiry and identification of unexpected themes and linkages, is essential to our growing understanding of COVID-19's impacts on the social world and its intersection with sustainability science. However, many challenges-physical, psychological, and ethical in nature-face qualitative researchers during the pandemic, as social distancing and travel restrictions prevent in-person field work. In this paper, we outline the essential contributions of qualitative study to sustainability science, discuss current challenges, and in turn, provide recommendations for researchers.

    View details for DOI 10.1007/s11625-020-00894-8

    View details for PubMedID 33495701

  • Psychological factors and social processes influencing wildfire smoke protective behavior: Insights from a case study in Northern California CLIMATE RISK MANAGEMENT Santana, F. N., Gonzalez, D. X., Wong-Parodi, G. 2021; 34
  • Comparisons of Sustainability Behaviors Pre- and Early Pandemic Among Botanical Garden Members FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE CITIES Mascatelli, K., Otten, C., Piacentini, R., Wong-Parodi, G., States, S. L. 2021; 3
  • When climate change adaptation becomes a "looming threat" to society: Exploring views and responses to California wildfires and public safety power shutoffs ENERGY RESEARCH & SOCIAL SCIENCE Wong-Parodi, G. 2020; 70
  • Governing energy in conflicted resource contexts: Culture, cost, and carbon in the decision-making criteria of the Navajo Nation ENERGY RESEARCH & SOCIAL SCIENCE Necefer, L., Wong-Parodi, G., Small, M. J. 2020; 70
  • Responding to simultaneous crises: communications and social norms of mask behavior during wildfires and COVID-19 ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS Santana, F. N., Fischer, S. L., Jaeger, M. O., Wong-Parodi, G. 2020; 15 (11)
  • Change in Public Concern and Responsive Behaviors Toward Air Pollution Under the Dome RISK ANALYSIS Qin, C., Xu, J., Wong-Parodi, G., Xue, L. 2020; 40 (10): 1983–2001

    View details for DOI 10.1111/risa.13177

    View details for Web of Science ID 000588150400008

  • Do We Know Our Own Tornado Season? A Psychological Investigation of Perceived Tornado Likelihood in the Southeast United States WEATHER CLIMATE AND SOCIETY Broomell, S. B., Wong-Parodi, G., Morss, R. E., Demuth, J. L. 2020; 12 (4): 771–88
  • The COVID-19 lockdowns: a window into the Earth System NATURE REVIEWS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT Diffenbaugh, N. S., Field, C. B., Appel, E. A., Azevedo, I. L., Baldocchi, D. D., Burke, M., Burney, J. A., Ciais, P., Davis, S. J., Fiore, A. M., Fletcher, S. M., Hertel, T. W., Horton, D. E., Hsiang, S. M., Jackson, R. B., Jin, X., Levi, M., Lobell, D. B., McKinley, G. A., Moore, F. C., Montgomery, A., Nadeau, K. C., Pataki, D. E., Randerson, J. T., Reichstein, M., Schnell, J. L., Seneviratne, S., Singh, D., Steiner, A. L., Wong-Parodi, G. 2020; 1 (9): 470-481
  • Children, Income, and the Impact of Home Delivery on Household Shopping Trips TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH RECORD Spurlock, C., Todd-Blick, A., Wong-Parodi, G., Walker, V. 2020
  • Factors associated with the adoption of renewable energy amongst botanical garden members ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS Drummond, C., States, S. L., Wong-Parodi, G. 2020; 2 (5)
  • Scientific forecast use and factors of influence in water-constrained contexts: The case of Guanacaste, Costa Rica CLIMATE SERVICES Wong-Parodi, G., Babcock, M. 2020; 18
  • Not under my backyard? Psychological distance, local acceptance, and shale gas development in China ENERGY RESEARCH & SOCIAL SCIENCE Tan, H., Wong-Parodi, G., Xu, J. 2020; 61
  • Editorial overview: The science of actionable knowledge CURRENT OPINION IN ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY Arnott, J. C., Mach, K. J., Wong-Parodi, G. 2020; 42: A1–A5
  • Different preferences for recovery options of residential fire disasters: The effect of decision role and stressed emotion INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DISASTER RISK REDUCTION Qin, C., Wong-Parodi, G., Fan, B. 2020; 43
  • Insights for developing effective decision support tools for environmental sustainability CURRENT OPINION IN ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY Wong-Parodi, G., Mach, K. J., Jagannathan, K., Sjostrom, K. 2020; 42: 52–59
  • Understanding and countering the motivated roots of climate change denial Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability Wong-Parodi, G., Feygina, I. 2020
  • Actionable knowledge and the art of engagement CURRENT OPINION IN ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY Mach, K. J., Lemos, M. C., Meadows, A. M., Wyborn, C., Klenk, N., Arnott, J. C., Ardoin, N. M., Fiesler, C., Moss, R. H., Nichols, L., Stults, M., Vaughn, C., Wong-Parodi, G. 2020; 42: 30-37
  • The politics of Asian fracking: Public risk perceptions towards shale gas development in China ENERGY RESEARCH & SOCIAL SCIENCE Tan, H., Xu, J., Wong-Parodi, G. 2019; 54: 46–55
  • Encouraging energy conservation at work: A field study testing social norm feedback and awareness of monitoring ENERGY POLICY Wong-Parodi, G., Krishnamurti, T., Gluck, J., Agarwal, Y. 2019; 130: 197–205
  • Describing the users: Understanding adoption of and interest in shared, electrified, and automated transportation in the San Francisco Bay Area TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH PART D-TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENT Spurlock, C., Sears, J., Wong-Parodi, G., Walker, V., Jin, L., Taylor, M., Duvall, A., Gopal, A., Todd, A. 2019; 71: 283–301
  • Solar PV as a mitigation strategy for the US education sector ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS Hanus, N. L., Wong-Parodi, G., Vaishnav, P. T., Darghouth, N. R., Azevedo, I. L. 2019; 14 (4)
  • Generating linked technology-socioeconomic scenarios for emerging energy transitions APPLIED ENERGY Small, M. J., Wong-Parodi, G., Kefford, B. M., Stringer, M., Schmeda-Lopez, D. R., Greig, C., Ballinger, B., Wilson, S., Smart, S. 2019; 239: 1402–23
  • How to reach the users: Understanding use and interest in shared, alternative-fuel, and automated transportation in the San Francisco Bay Area Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment Spurlock, C., Spears, J., Wong-Parodi, G., Walker, V., Jin, L., Taylor, M., Duvall, A., Gopal, A., Todd, A. 2019
  • Neither a borrower nor a lender be: Beyond cost in energy efficiency decision-making among office buildings in the United States ENERGY RESEARCH & SOCIAL SCIENCE Davis, A., Wong-Parodi, G., Krishnamurti, T. 2019; 47: 37–45
  • The politics of Asian fracking: Public risk perceptions towards shale gas development in China Energy Research & Social Science Tan, H., Xu, J., Wong-Parodi, G. 2019
  • To co-produce or not to co-produce NATURE SUSTAINABILITY Lemos, M., Arnott, J. C., Ardoin, N. M., Baja, K., Bednarek, A. T., Dewulf, A., Fieseler, C., Goodrich, K. A., Jagannathan, K., Klenk, N., Mach, K. J., Meadow, A. M., Meyer, R., Moss, R., Nichols, L., Sjostrom, K., Stults, M., Turnhout, E., Vaughan, C., Wong-Parodi, G., Wyborn, C. 2018; 1 (12): 722–24
  • Integrating technical, economic and cultural impacts in a decision support tool for energy resource management in the Navajo Nation ENERGY STRATEGY REVIEWS Necefer, L., Wong-Parodi, G., Small, M. J., Begay-Campbell, S. 2018; 22: 136–46
  • Factors Influencing (Mal)adaptive Responses to Natural Disasters: The Case of Hurricane Matthew WEATHER CLIMATE AND SOCIETY Wong-Parodi, G., Feygina, I. 2018; 10 (4): 747–68
  • Effect of Risk and Protective Decision Aids on Flood Preparation in Vulnerable Communities WEATHER CLIMATE AND SOCIETY Wong-Parodi, G., Fischhoff, B., Strauss, B. 2018; 10 (3): 401–17
  • Framing clean energy campaigns to promote civic engagement among parents ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS Hanus, N., Wong-Parodi, G., Hoyos, L., Rauch, A. 2018; 13 (3)
  • The role of psychology and social influences in energy efficiency adoption ENERGY EFFICIENCY Hanus, N., Wong-Parodi, G., Small, M. J., Grossmann, I. 2018; 11 (2): 371–91
  • Change in Public Concern and Responsive Behaviors Toward Air Pollution Under the Dome. Risk analysis : an official publication of the Society for Risk Analysis Qin, C. n., Xu, J. n., Wong-Parodi, G. n., Xue, L. n. 2018

    Abstract

    This study evaluates the effect of the documentary Under the Dome on the concern and responsive behaviors of the public regarding air pollution in China, with two surveys conducted before and after watching the documentary. Employing difference-in-differences regression, this study answers two research questions: (1) Does Under the Dome change public concern about air pollution? (2) Does Under the Dome change public behaviors in response to air pollution, including protective behaviors (i.e., wearing face masks) and mitigation behaviors (i.e., reducing car driving)? We find that the information campaign (1) protects against the decline of public concern about air pollution in Beijing and (2) moderates the degree to which people's perceived severity, perceived susceptibility, and sense of self-efficacy influence protective behaviors and moderates the degree to which people's belief in the cooperative behaviors by others influences mitigation behaviors. This study provides evidence that information campaigns of the Under the Dome type are effective in raising public awareness; however, the information campaign did not directly influence public protective and mitigation behaviors.

    View details for PubMedID 30170339

  • Public Understanding of Ebola Risks: Mastering an Unfamiliar Threat RISK ANALYSIS Fischhoff, B., Wong-Parodi, G., Garfin, D., Holman, E., Silver, R. 2018; 38 (1): 71–83

    Abstract

    Ebola was the most widely followed news story in the United States in October 2014. Here, we ask what members of the U.S. public learned about the disease, given the often chaotic media environment. Early in 2015, we surveyed a representative sample of 3,447 U.S. residents about their Ebola-related beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. Where possible, we elicited judgments in terms sufficiently precise to allow comparing them to scientific estimates (e.g., the death toll to date and the probability of dying once ill). Respondents' judgments were generally consistent with one another, with scientific knowledge, and with their self-reported behavioral responses and policy preferences. Thus, by the time the threat appeared to have subsided in the United States, members of the public, as a whole, had seemingly mastered its basic contours. Moreover, they could express their beliefs in quantitative terms. Judgments of personal risk were weakly and inconsistently related to reported gender, age, education, income, or political ideology. Better educated and wealthier respondents saw population risks as lower; females saw them as higher. More politically conservative respondents saw Ebola as more transmissible and expressed less support for public health policies. In general, respondents supported providing "honest, accurate information, even if that information worried people." These results suggest the value of proactive communications designed to inform the lay public's decisions, thoughts, and emotions, and informed by concurrent surveys of their responses and needs.

    View details for PubMedID 28597480

  • Effect of Using an Indoor Air Quality Sensor on Perceptions of and Behaviors Toward Air Pollution (Pittsburgh Empowerment Library Study): Online Survey and Interviews. JMIR mHealth and uHealth Wong-Parodi, G. n., Dias, M. B., Taylor, M. n. 2018; 6 (3): e48

    Abstract

    Air quality affects us all and is a rapidly growing concern in the 21st century. We spend the majority of our lives indoors and can be exposed to a number of pollutants smaller than 2.5 microns (particulate matter, PM2.5) resulting in detrimental health effects. Indoor air quality sensors have the potential to provide people with the information they need to understand their risk and take steps to reduce their exposure. One such sensor is the Speck sensor developed at the Community Robotics, Education and Technology Empowerment Lab at Carnegie Mellon University. This sensor provides users with continuous real-time and historical PM2.5 information, a Web-based platform where people can track their PM2.5 levels over time and learn about ways to reduce their exposure, and a venue (blog post) for the user community to exchange information. Little is known about how the use of such monitors affects people's knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors with respect to indoor air pollution.The aim of this study was to assess whether using the sensor changes what people know and do about indoor air pollution.We conducted 2 studies. In the first study, we recruited 276 Pittsburgh residents online and through local branches of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, where the Speck sensor was made available by the researchers in the library catalog. Participants completed a 10- to 15-min survey on air pollution knowledge (its health impact, sources, and mitigation options), perceptions of indoor air quality, confidence in mitigation, current behaviors toward air quality, and personal empowerment and creativity in the spring and summer of 2016. In our second study, we surveyed 26 Pittsburgh residents in summer 2016 who checked out the Speck sensor for 3 weeks on the same measures assessed in the first study, with additional questions about the perception and use of the sensor. Follow-up interviews were conducted with a subset of those who used the Speck sensor.A series of paired t tests found participants were significantly more knowledgeable (t25=-2.61, P=.02), reported having significantly better indoor air quality (t25=-5.20, P<.001), and felt more confident about knowing how to mitigate their risk (t25=-1.87, P=.07) after using the Speck sensor than before. McNemar test showed participants tended to take more action to reduce indoor air pollution after using the sensor (χ225=2.7, P=.10). Qualitative analysis suggested possible ripple effects of use, including encouraging family and friends to learn about indoor air pollution.Providing people with low- or no-cost portable indoor air quality monitors, with a supporting Web-based platform that offers information about how to reduce risk, can help people better express perceptions and adopt behaviors commensurate with the risks they face. Thus, thoughtfully designed and deployed personal sensing devices can help empower people to take steps to reduce their risk.

    View details for PubMedID 29519779

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC5864999

  • Preparing for local adaptation: a study of community understanding and support CLIMATIC CHANGE Wong-Parodi, G., Klima, K. 2017; 145 (3-4): 413–29
  • Informing Public Perceptions About Climate Change: A 'Mental Models' Approach SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ETHICS Wong-Parodi, G., de Bruin, W. 2017; 23 (5): 1369–86

    Abstract

    As the specter of climate change looms on the horizon, people will face complex decisions about whether to support climate change policies and how to cope with climate change impacts on their lives. Without some grasp of the relevant science, they may find it hard to make informed decisions. Climate experts therefore face the ethical need to effectively communicate to non-expert audiences. Unfortunately, climate experts may inadvertently violate the maxims of effective communication, which require sharing communications that are truthful, brief, relevant, clear, and tested for effectiveness. Here, we discuss the 'mental models' approach towards developing communications, which aims to help experts to meet the maxims of effective communications, and to better inform the judgments and decisions of non-expert audiences.

    View details for PubMedID 27752964

  • Behind the Carbon Curtain The Energy Industry, Political Censorship, and Free Speech (Book Review) SCIENCE Book Review Authored by: Wong-Parodi, G. 2017; 356 (6336): 385

    View details for PubMedID 28450602

  • Development and Testing of the MyHealthyPregnancy App: A Behavioral Decision Research-Based Tool for Assessing and Communicating Pregnancy Risk JMIR MHEALTH AND UHEALTH Krishnamurti, T., Davis, A. L., Wong-Parodi, G., Fischhoff, B., Sadovsky, Y., Simhan, H. N. 2017; 5 (4): e42

    Abstract

    Despite significant advances in medical interventions and health care delivery, preterm births in the United States are on the rise. Existing research has identified important, seemingly simple precautions that could significantly reduce preterm birth risk. However, it has proven difficult to communicate even these simple recommendations to women in need of them. Our objective was to draw on methods from behavioral decision research to develop a personalized smartphone app-based medical communication tool to assess and communicate pregnancy risks related to preterm birth.A longitudinal, prospective pilot study was designed to develop an engaging, usable smartphone app that communicates personalized pregnancy risk and gathers risk data, with the goal of decreasing preterm birth rates in a typically hard-to-engage patient population.We used semistructured interviews and user testing to develop a smartphone app based on an approach founded in behavioral decision research. For usability evaluation, 16 participants were recruited from the outpatient clinic at a major academic hospital specializing in high-risk pregnancies and provided a smartphone with the preloaded app and a digital weight scale. Through the app, participants were queried daily to assess behavioral risks, mood, and symptomology associated with preterm birth risk. Participants also completed monthly phone interviews to report technical problems and their views on the app's usefulness.App use was higher among participants at higher risk, as reflected in reporting poorer daily moods (Odds ratio, OR 1.20, 95% CI 0.99-1.47, P=.08), being more likely to smoke (OR 4.00, 95% CI 0.93-16.9, P=.06), being earlier in their pregnancy (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.02-1.12, P=.005), and having a lower body mass index (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.00-1.15, P=.05). Participant-reported intention to breastfeed increased from baseline to the end of the trial, t15=-2.76, P=.01. Participants' attendance at prenatal appointments was 84% compared with the clinic norm of 50%, indicating a conservatively estimated cost savings of ~US $450/patient over 3 months.Our app is an engaging method for assessing and communicating risk during pregnancy in a typically hard-to-reach population, providing accessible and personalized distant obstetrical care, designed to target preterm birth risk, specifically.

    View details for PubMedID 28396302

  • Plans and Prospects for Coastal Flooding in Four Communities Affected by Sandy WEATHER CLIMATE AND SOCIETY Wong-Parodi, G., Fischhoff, B., Strauss, B. 2017; 9 (2): 183–200
  • Public awareness and perception of environmental, health and safety risks to electricity generation: an explorative interview study in Switzerland/13669877.2017.1391320 Journal of Risk Research Volken, S., Wong-Parodi, G., Trutnevyte, E. 2017: 1-16
  • Perceptions of electricity-use communications: effects of information, format, and individual differences JOURNAL OF RISK RESEARCH Canfield, C., de Bruin, W., Wong-Parodi, G. 2017; 20 (9): 1132–53
  • Fact and Fiction in Global Energy Policy 15 Contentious Questions (Book Review) SCIENCE Book Review Authored by: Wong-Parodi, G. 2016; 353 (6303): 997
  • A decision science approach for integrating social science in climate and energy solutions NATURE CLIMATE CHANGE Wong-Parodi, G., Krishnamurti, T., Davis, A., Schwartz, D., Fischhoff, B. 2016; 6 (6): 563–69
  • Stakeholder perceptions of water systems and hydro-climate information in Guanacaste, Costa Rica Earth Perspectives Babcock, M., Wong-Parodi, G., Small, M., Grossmann, I. 2016; 3 (3)
  • Eliciting public concerns about an emerging energy technology: The case of unconventional shale gas development in the United States ENERGY RESEARCH & SOCIAL SCIENCE Israel, A. L., Wong-Parodi, G., Webler, T., Stern, P. C. 2015; 8: 139–50
  • Energy development and Native Americans: Values and beliefs about energy from the Navajo Nation ENERGY RESEARCH & SOCIAL SCIENCE Necefer, L., Wong-Parodi, G., Jaramillo, P., Small, M. J. 2015; 7: 1–11
  • The impacts of political cues and practical information on climate change decisions ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS Wong-Parodi, G., Fischhoff, B. 2015; 10 (3)
  • Leveraging Pittsburgh's Energy Efficiency Social Network to Predict Next Adopters Hanus, N., Small, M., Wong-Parodi, G., Grossmann, I., Pei, J., Silvestri, F., Tang, J. ASSOC COMPUTING MACHINERY. 2015: 920–21
  • Resilience vs. Adaptation: Framing and action CLIMATE RISK MANAGEMENT Wong-Parodi, G., Fischhoff, B., Strauss, B. 2015; 10: 1–7
  • A method to evaluate the usability of interactive climate change impact decision aids CLIMATIC CHANGE Wong-Parodi, G., Fischhoff, B., Strauss, B. 2014; 126 (3-4): 485–93
  • Team science for science communication PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Wong-Parodi, G., Strauss, B. H. 2014; 111: 13658–63

    Abstract

    Natural scientists from Climate Central and social scientists from Carnegie Mellon University collaborated to develop science communications aimed at presenting personalized coastal flood risk information to the public. We encountered four main challenges: agreeing on goals; balancing complexity and simplicity; relying on data, not intuition; and negotiating external pressures. Each challenge demanded its own approach. We navigated agreement on goals through intensive internal communication early on in the project. We balanced complexity and simplicity through evaluation of communication materials for user understanding and scientific content. Early user test results that overturned some of our intuitions strengthened our commitment to testing communication elements whenever possible. Finally, we did our best to negotiate external pressures through regular internal communication and willingness to compromise.

    View details for PubMedID 25225381

  • Risks and risk governance in unconventional shale gas development. Environmental science & technology Small, M. J., Stern, P. C., Bomberg, E., Christopherson, S. M., Goldstein, B. D., Israel, A. L., Jackson, R. B., Krupnick, A., Mauter, M. S., Nash, J., North, D. W., Olmstead, S. M., Prakash, A., Rabe, B., Richardson, N., Tierney, S., Webler, T., Wong-Parodi, G., Zielinska, B. 2014; 48 (15): 8289-8297

    Abstract

    A broad assessment is provided of the current state of knowledge regarding the risks associated with shale gas development and their governance. For the principal domains of risk, we identify observed and potential hazards and promising mitigation options to address them, characterizing current knowledge and research needs. Important unresolved research questions are identified for each area of risk; however, certain domains exhibit especially acute deficits of knowledge and attention, including integrated studies of public health, ecosystems, air quality, socioeconomic impacts on communities, and climate change. For these, current research and analysis are insufficient to either confirm or preclude important impacts. The rapidly evolving landscape of shale gas governance in the U.S. is also assessed, noting challenges and opportunities associated with the current decentralized (state-focused) system of regulation. We briefly review emerging approaches to shale gas governance in other nations, and consider new governance initiatives and options in the U.S. involving voluntary industry certification, comprehensive development plans, financial instruments, and possible future federal roles. In order to encompass the multiple relevant disciplines, address the complexities of the evolving shale gas system and reduce the many key uncertainties needed for improved management, a coordinated multiagency federal research effort will need to be implemented.

    View details for DOI 10.1021/es502111u

    View details for PubMedID 24983403

  • The Role of Initial Affective Impressions in Responses to Educational Communications: The Case of Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY-APPLIED de Bruin, W., Wong-Parodi, G. 2014; 20 (2): 126–35

    Abstract

    Emerging technologies promise potential benefits at a potential cost. Developers of educational communications aim to improve people's understanding and to facilitate public debate. However, even relatively uninformed recipients may have initial feelings that are difficult to change. We report that people's initial affective impressions about carbon capture and sequestration (CCS), a low-carbon coal-based electricity-generation technology with which most people are unfamiliar, influences how they interpret previously validated education materials. As a result, even individuals who had originally self-identified as uninformed persisted in their initial feelings after reading the educational communication-though perseverance of feelings about CCS was stronger among recipients who had originally self-identified as relatively informed (Study 1). Moreover, uninformed recipients whose initial feelings were experimentally manipulated by relatively uninformative pro-CCS or anti-CCS arguments persisted in their manipulated feelings after reading the educational communication, due to evaluating the educational communication in line with their manipulated impressions (Study 2). Hence, our results suggest that educational communications will have more impact if they are disseminated before people form strong feelings about the topic under consideration, especially if these are based on little to no factual understanding.

    View details for PubMedID 24708355

  • Public perceptions of local flood risk and the role of climate change Environment Systems and Decisions Bruine de Bruin, W., Wong-Parodi, G., Morgan, G. 2014; 34 (4)
  • Effects of simplifying outreach materials for energy conservation programs that target low-income consumers ENERGY POLICY Wong-Parodi, G., de Bruin, W., Canfield, C. 2013; 62: 1157–64
  • Creating an in-home display: Experimental evidence and guidelines for design APPLIED ENERGY Krishnamurti, T., Davis, A. L., Wong-Parodi, G., Wang, J., Canfield, C. 2013; 108: 448–58
  • Influencing Attitudes toward Carbon Capture and Sequestration: A Social Marketing Approach ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Wong-Parodi, G., Dowlatabadi, H., McDaniels, T., Ray, I. 2011; 45 (16): 6743–51

    Abstract

    Carbon capture and sequestration (CCS), while controversial, is seen as promising because it will allow the United States to continue using its vast fossil fuel resources in a carbon-constrained world. The public is an important stakeholder in the national debate about whether or not the U.S. should include CCS as a significant part of its climate change strategy. Understanding how to effectively engage with the public about CCS has become important in recent years, as interest in the technology has intensified. We argue that engagement efforts should be focused on places where CCS will first be deployed, i.e., places with many "energy veteran" (EV) citizens. We also argue that, in addition to information on CCS, messages with emotional appeal may be necessary in order to engage the public. In this paper we take a citizen-guided social marketing approach toward understanding how to (positively or negatively) influence EV citizens' attitudes toward CCS. We develop open-ended interview protocols, and a "CCS campaign activity", for Wyoming residents from Gillette and Rock Springs. We conclude that our participants believed expert-informed CCS messages, embedded within an emotionally self-referent (ESR) framework that was relevant to Wyoming, to be more persuasive than the expert messages alone. The appeal to core values of Wyomingites played a significant role in the citizen-guided CCS messages.

    View details for DOI 10.1021/es201391g

    View details for Web of Science ID 000293758400005

    View details for PubMedID 21728279

  • Economics of residential gas furnaces and water heaters in US new construction market ENERGY EFFICIENCY Lekov, A. B., Franco, V. H., Wong-Parodi, G., McMahon, J. E., Chan, P. 2010; 3 (3): 203–22
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