HKDSE Geography/M1/Perception of Risks

Rational Perception of Risks

• When a hazard appears infrequently in an area and with low intensity, people will choose to absorb losses.
• When a hazard exceeds the awareness threshold, people will take notice of it. However, they will still accept the losses.
• When the frequency and magnitude of the hazard reaches the action threshold, people will take measures to minimise the losses.
• When the hazard exceeds the intolerance threshold, people will move away from the area.

Other Perceptions

• Some believe hazards cannot occur in the same location twice, i.e. 'Lightning does not strike the same place twice.'
• Some believe that the occurrence of hazard is controlled by a deity, and it is thus meaningless to attempt to evade it.
• Some may forget the possibility of a hazard after a long time, e.g. dormant volcanoes.
• Some may believe the government provides sufficient production, and it is thus unnecessary to move out of the area.