A group of scientists headed by Nathan Clark from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, collaborating with the Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS), has presented an extensive list of guidelines designed to boost Europe’s ability to withstand catastrophes. Their research outcomes, published in the International Journal of Hazard Risk Reduction highlight the significance of basing disaster preparedness on both scientific research and real-world implementation.
In their article titled "Strengthening All-of-Society Approaches for Disaster Resilient Societies Through Competency Building: A European Research Agenda," the authors caution that societies confront a growingly intricate and uncertain risk environment influenced by worldwide crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, rapid climate shifts, and new geopolitical tensions. Such risks frequently lead to ripple effects that predominantly affect marginalized groups, highlighting the necessity for comprehensive, interconnected strategies.
Instead of depending solely on standalone or top-down methods, the team promotes a comprehensive societal strategy that includes collaboration across sectors, multiple disciplines, and inclusivity. Researcher Pia-Johanna Schweizer from RIFS states, “Complex systems thinking should be encouraged to tackle the intricate interactions between various cultures, settings, and risk factors. Additionally, there needs to be clearer direction on developing locally-based disaster resilience measures that align with this holistic society-wide perspective.”
Over 100 involved European research and practical institutions
This publication draws from the findings and practical experiences of over eight research endeavors encompassing more than one hundred academic and operational entities. The collective effort highlights how engaging local communities and interested parties in managing disaster risks and adapting to climate change yields substantial advantages. Through enhanced dialogue between governmental bodies and the populace, these studies indicated that comprehensive involvement markedly enhances readiness as well as reaction capabilities.
The main suggestions entail four aspects for constructing communities resistant to disasters:
- Improving engagement—Making sure that communities, local governments, volunteers, non-governmental organizations, and various participants are involved in the procedure.
- Decreasing susceptibility—Focusing communication, utilizing diversity and local knowledge to boost effectiveness.
- Strengthening capabilities—Developing trust, encouraging joint creation and learning initiatives, and providing communities and organizations with the necessary knowledge to anticipate and address emergencies.
- Facilitating organizational evolution—Enhancing the adaptability of disaster management entities and aiding transformative shifts toward more preemptive approaches to disaster risk control.
The researchers further underscore different methodologies employed throughout the initiatives, stressing participatory action as a way to create practical insights and foster reliability among community members.
In the end, this publication seeks to shape a European research plan aimed at boosting societal resilience and establishing participation methods that ensure continuity and inclusiveness in disaster risk management efforts, even outside crisis periods. The writers urge additional funding for studies and policies that connect scientific insights with real-world application and active public involvement.
More information: Nathan Clark and others propose enhancing comprehensive strategies for disaster-resilient communities via skill development: A European research plan. International Journal of Hazard Risk Reduction (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdrr.2025.105345
Furnished by the Research Institute for Sustainability at Helmholtz-Centre Potsdam
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