Traditional single-hazard approaches often fail to capture the full picture of disaster risk. By overlooking multiple hazards and their interdependencies, they underestimate real risk levels and limit the effectiveness of prevention and response measures. Multi-hazard risk assessments therefore aim to identify all relevant hazards, analyse their interactions, and support more robust disaster management. This open access book adopts both a scientific and an operational perspective to examine multi-hazards and systemic risks.
System-thinking and open-science frameworks offer promising solutions. Advances in data-driven, knowledge-driven and physically based modelling techniques now enable improved prediction and simulation of interconnected hazards. The contemporary concept of risk recognises the dynamic interactions between hazards, exposure, vulnerability, and response. As risks become more complex and systemic, a systemic framework is required to transform risk management into an integrated, adaptive and inclusive governance model. Effective risk communication strategies can address complex risks and multiple crises. Such strategies foster relationships with communities, encourage culturally sensitive dialogue and involve various stakeholders in decision-making processes.
This book evaluates multi-hazard and systemic risk approaches and explores ways forward for the EU’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) to better anticipate shifting risk landscapes. It enhances public trust and engagement by presenting improved communication strategies and behavioral insights – including serious games as powerful tools.
About the Author :
Lothar Schrott is a full Professor of Physical Geography and Geomorphology at the University of Bonn, where he heads the Research Group on Geomorphology and Environmental Systems. He also serves as Director of the Master's Programme in Disaster Management and Risk Governance (KaVoMa) and as Scientific Director of Geoverbund ABC/J. His research focuses on geomorphic processes in mountain regions including the Alps, Rockies, Andes, and German uplands. He has published widely in international journals and books and serves as associate editor and editorial board member for several journals in the field.
Rainer Bell is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Bonn, where he works on multiple natural hazards and risks in an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary manner. His focus is on landslides, flood impacts, and permafrost degradation. His research covers the Himalayas, the Andes and various regions in Europe. He lectures on the Master's Programme in Disaster Management and Risk Governance (KaVoMa). He has published widely in international journals.
Peter Billing is a former Head of Unit and Deputy Director for Emergency Management at the European Commission, Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO). Since 2022 he has been working as a senior expert, consultant and lecturer for various disaster management institutions and universities in Europe. He is member of the German Committee for Disaster Reduction and the Scientific Advisory Board of the EUMA-project.
Everjoy Grace Chiimba is a Research Associate at the University of Bonn, working on the EUMA project (Creating a European Higher Education Network for Master's Programmes in Disaster Risk Management). Her research focuses on disaster communication, with field experience including Cyclone Idai. She has also served as a lecturer in the Departments of Geography at the Universities of Bonn and Mainz.
