Risk Perception Among Decision-Makers in the Dominican Republic’s National System for Prevention, Mitigation, and Response to Climate Change-Related Events

Sustainable development results from the harmonious integration of economic growth, social equity, and environmental sustainability. Building on available risk analysis capacities, this study employs risk perception as a diagnostic tool to evaluate the adequacy of decision-making regarding environmental sustainability in vulnerable human settlements under a changing climate in the Dominican Republic. Using the perceived risk profile approach and a specially designed questionnaire, the research explores issues related to climate change and sustainability, targeting a population composed of decision-makers and professionals engaged in risk assessment. The findings reveal a systematic underestimation of risk across most perception variables, as well as a generally low collective risk perception. The study’s methodological framework enables the identification of proactive measures to strengthen knowledge and performance among decision-makers and stakeholders involved in advancing sustainable development in Dominican human settlements.