Multi-hazard risk assessment methodology for European coastal cities
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Date
2024
Authors
Laíño Rebollido, Emilio
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Publisher
University College Cork
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Abstract
The focus of this thesis is on the risk assessment of multiple climate-related hazards in European coastal cities, a crucial issue given the intensifying impacts of climate change. European coastal cities are particularly vulnerable to a variety of climate-related hazards, such as sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and extreme weather events, which are becoming more frequent and severe due to global warming. Despite the pressing nature of these risks, there has been a notable lack of comprehensive tools to evaluate and compare the risks faced by different cities. This research addresses that gap by developing a novel index-based methodology for climate risk assessment that is specifically tailored to European coastal cities.
One of the key features of the methodology developed in this thesis is its universality within the context of European coastal cities. Unlike other approaches that may be limited to specific types of hazards or localized contexts, this methodology encompasses a wide range of climate-related hazards, making it applicable to diverse coastal environments across Europe. This broad scope allows for a systematic and homogenized analysis of climate risks, which in turn facilitates direct comparisons between cities. Such comparative analysis is essential for informing policy decisions related to resource distribution and climate risk management. By identifying which cities face the greatest risks and which hazards are most prevalent, decision-makers can prioritize interventions and allocate resources more efficiently. Moreover, this methodology can guide the development of coastal adaptation solutions by pinpointing areas of vulnerability that require immediate attention.
Another significant contribution of this thesis is the integration of local data through a participatory approach involving the innovative concept of Coastal City Living Lab (CCLL). This concept, developed as part of the EU-funded SCORE project (acronym of Smart control of the climate resilience in European coastal cities), allows for the incorporation of detailed local knowledge into the risk assessment process. The CCLLs engage local stakeholders—such as city planners, environmental scientists, and community members—in the data collection process, ensuring that the risk assessments are grounded in the specific conditions and needs of each city in order to cocreate innovative resilience-building solutions. This participatory approach not only enhances the accuracy of the risk assessments but also strengthens the practical relevance of the findings by ensuring that they are aligned with local priorities and realities.
The methodology developed in this thesis was tested and validated through its application on several European coastal cities. Furthermore, a detailed case study was conducted in Benidorm, Spain, where the methodology was applied to assess the risk of the city to climate-related hazards. The different case studies highlighted both the strengths and limitations of the proposed approach. On the one hand, the methodology proved effective in identifying key elements of risk and providing actionable insights for local policymakers. On the other hand, certain limitations were identified, such as the challenges of obtaining high-resolution data in some cities and the need for further refinement of the weighting of different indicators in the overall risk assessment.
The work presented in this thesis is supported by an extensive review, which includes both a literature review and two scientometric reviews. The literature review provides a comprehensive overview of the impacts of climate change on coastal cities, highlighting the gaps that this research aims to fill. The scientometric reviews, on the other hand, offer a more quantitative analysis of trends and patterns in the academic literature, providing valuable insights into the evolution of the fields of climate impacts and indices regarding multiple climate-related hazards under climate change and the most influential studies and concepts. These reviews have helped to contextualize the findings of this thesis within the broader academic discourse on climate risk management and coastal adaptation.
In conclusion, this thesis makes a significant contribution to the field of climate risk assessment by developing a multi-hazard risk assessment methodology that is both comprehensive and adaptable to the specific challenges faced by European coastal cities. The ability to compare risks across different cities provides valuable insights for policymakers, while the integration of local data through the CCLLs ensures that the findings are grounded in real-world conditions. The case study in Benidorm demonstrates the practical applicability of the methodology and highlights areas for further refinement. As climate-related hazards continue to intensify, the tools and insights developed in this research will be critical for guiding future efforts in coastal adaptation and resilience planning.
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Keywords
Climate change , Climate-related hazards , Risk assessment , Climate resilience , Coastal cities
Citation
Laíño Rebollido, E. 2024. Multi-hazard risk assessment methodology for European coastal cities. PhD Thesis, University College Cork.