Ten Years of Extreme Weather Events and Their Influence on Climate Beliefs and Behaviours Across Australia

This study aimed to explore the relationship between extreme weather events and subsequent shifts in climate-related beliefs and behaviors. Leveraging public datasets, we analyzed the impact of chronic weather anomalies (i.e., temperature and precipitation deviations from long-term averages) and acute disasters (e.g., wildfires, hurricanes, floods) on pro-climate beliefs, Green Party voting, and solar panel installations at the postcode level across Australia between 2013 and 2022. The results revealed that long-term temperature deviations were associated with stronger climate change beliefs, while long-term precipitation deviations predicted higher Green votes and greater solar panel uptake. Long-term exposure to acute disasters also positively influenced climate belief and Green voting. These results provide valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and community leaders working to build climate-resilient societies.