New publication in Environmental Science and Policy.

Sandeep Paul, Kayee Zhou, and Patrick Bixler examine how social connections shape heat risk perception across Texas communities.

Through a survey of 3,450 urban Texas residents, this study explores three key dimensions of heat risk perception: worry, awareness, and preparedness. The research reveals that stronger social capital, such as neighborhood relationships and community interactions, is associated with heightened awareness of heat-related risks. These findings suggest hyper-local climate adaptation strategies that prioritize relationship-building within communities may prove more effective for preparing residents for our warming climate than top-down approaches alone.

Read the paper here.