Disaster and risk preparedness

Natural hazards such as extreme weather events, landslides and wildfires can cause the loss of lives, livelihoods and substantial material damages. Disaster risk is defined by the type of hazard, the exposure of people, infrastructure or other elements to the hazard and vulnerability – factors that can increase the impact of the hazard, such as physical, social and economic conditions.

The Nordic countries are well-prepared for many natural risks, and have good systems for planning, capacity building, training and warning systems with ongoing developments[1]. Public information and coordination are also an important part of this preparedness. However, with climate change some natural hazards are projected to increase in frequency, and vulnerability and exposure to such hazards may increase due to loss of nature and ecosystem functions. For example, the loss of natural floodplains and wetlands that can contribute to water retention during storms and heavy rain, may cause larger flood damages to infrastructure, livelihoods and potential risks to human health further downstream. Nature-based solutions should therefore be a natural part of disaster risk and preparedness strategies.

In addition to nature protection, sustainable management of culture landscapes, such as grazing and prescribed burning may also reduce the risk of large, uncontrollable wildfires. There are also many examples of NBS working together with more traditional, grey solutions for example in coastal areas where storm flood surges threaten communities close to the shore. Highlighting the role of nature-based solutions in disaster risk and preparedness efforts may increase awareness of how human communities and their health and well-being rely on intact and resilient ecosystems.

[1] See for example the Nordiclink project https://www.nordiclink.no/