In this study two groups were compared with respect to their perceptions of value and probability of an ecological calamity. The first group expected the calamity to occur within 6 mo, the second after at least 6 mo. Temporal distance had an effect on perceived value—the first group rated the calamity more serious—but had no effect on perceived probability. It is suggested that in public education about ecology and health, the value of long-term consequences should be made more salient.
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