# Climate Change: Why We Think Others Are at Greater Risk
Scientists have discovered that most people believe climate change poses a greater threat to others than to themselves. This research examined 59 studies involving over 70,000 participants from 17 countries to understand this pattern.
## What the Study Found
The researchers conducted a **meta-analysis** (a study that combines results from many previous studies) to measure something called **self-other discrepancy**. This term describes the difference between how risky people think climate change is for themselves versus for other people. In more than 68% of cases, people rated climate change risks as less likely and less severe for themselves compared to others.
This pattern is called **overplacement**. It is a type of bias where people think they are better than average at avoiding risks. The researchers tested three hypotheses about when this bias occurs.
## Key Findings
First, the study confirmed that people consistently underestimate their personal climate risks compared to others' risks. Second, this bias was strongest when people compared themselves to humanity in general rather than to specific groups like neighbors. Third, people living in regions facing higher actual climate risks (like Asia and Oceania) showed smaller self-other discrepancies than those in lower-risk regions like Europe.
## Why This Matters
These skewed **risk perceptions** (beliefs about how dangerous something is) can be problematic. When people underestimate their own vulnerability to climate change, they may be less likely to take protective actions or support climate policies. Understanding this bias is essential for improving climate communication and helping people make better decisions about adapting to climate change.