Exploring Risk Literacy in Spanish-Speaking Communities

Risk literacy, defined as the practical ability to assess and comprehend risk for informed and effective decision-making, is a key factor in developing successful risk communication strategies. The concept encompasses a range of cognitive skills, including mathematical competence, heuristic reasoning, and representational understanding.

As probabilistic forecasting becomes more common, improving risk literacy is crucial for effectively communicating uncertainty to diverse communities. While initial research has primarily examined the risk literacy of English-speaking populations, there is a significant gap in understanding how Spanish-speaking individuals in the United States interpret risk information. Addressing these inequities is essential to empower all communities to make informed decisions in the face of extreme weather events.

This study aims to assess risk literacy levels among Spanish-speaking populations in the United States, exploring how cultural, linguistic, and language proficiency factors influence their ability to process risk-related information. We will use data from a nationwide survey of 1,598 Spanish speakers in the United States to explore variability among various demographic groups. Using these findings, we plan on providing useful insights to improve risk communication strategies tailored to this important demographic.