Proceedings from UR Austria Proceedings from UR Austria Organized by: In collaboration with: This publication is made up of a series of submissions from Session Leaders of the Understanding Risk Austria. These submission were compiled and edited by ZAMG and the World Bank Group. The content and findings of this publication do not reflect the views of ZAMG, GFDRR and the World Bank Group. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy of the data in this work. The boundaries, colors, denominations, and other information shown on any map in this work do not imply any judgment on the part of the World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries. Washington, D.C., December 2016 Designed by Miki Fernández (miki@ultradesigns.com), Washington, D.C. ©2016 by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/The World Bank 1818 H Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20433 U.S.A. All rights reserved Photo Credit:Pany Goff Contents Photo credit: Paul Gilmore 3 Acknowledgments 5 Foreword 7 Innovations in Multi-Hazard Warning Systems 11 Community-level Risk Management 15 Risk Communication—Ways to Understand Each Other 19 Risk Governance 23 Options for the Future: Satellite Earth Observation and Economic Evaluation of Climate Change Impacts 27 Disaster Risk Management and Adjustment to Climate Change 33 Necessity is the Mother of Invention—Innovations in Flood Risk Management 41 Risk Management through Insurance 44 Participantes Acknowledgments W e would like to thank all of those who participated in, attended, and contributed to the Understanding Risk Austria Conference (URAT). This was the first Country conference of a developed country and Austria didn’t disappoint! While we cannot mention all the institutions and individuals who contributed to the planning and execution of the event, we would like to highlight some key partners. First, we would like to thank our organizing partners: Zentralanstalt für Meteorologie und Geodynamik (ZAMG), The World Bank, and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR). We would also like to give a special thank-you to all the organizations that led the policy, technical, and training sessions, Austrian Ministry of Finance (BMF), Austrian Ministry of Interior (BM.I), alp-S, Riocom, Risiko:dialog, Wegener Center, Uni Graz, Stadt Wien, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Universitat Wien, and the Austrian Ministry of Life. A big thank-you goes as well to all the opening, closing, and keynote speakers: Prof. Harry Kopietz, Präsident des Wiener Landtags, SC Barbara Weitgruber, BMWFW, SC Harald Waiglein, BMF. At the same time we would like to thank the session speakers: Paul Davies, Christian Renscher, Hans-Gerrit Möws, Ortwin Neuschnwander, Reinhard Mechler, Michiko Hama, Ina Meyer, Andreas Koler, Thomas Glade, Monika Stickler, Gerald Czech, Sven Fuchs, Stefan Schönhacker, Robert Stocker, Karl Weber, Franz Sinabell, Doris Damyanovic, Siegfried Jachs, Thomas Geist, Karl Steininger, Alexander Almer, Wolfgang Wagner, Heimo Berghold, Birgit Bednar-Friedl, Klaus Radunsky, Koos Wieriks, Sebastian Seebauer, Andrea Gössinger-Wieser, Cornelia Jöbstl, Hans Wiesenegger, Albert Schwingshandl, Gerald Loew, Phillip Leopold, Heimo Krajnz, Sebastian Seebauer, Thomas Ramminger, Thomas Hartinger, Thomas Hlatky, Franz Prettenthaler, Johannes Hübl, Franz Prettenthaler, H. Albrecher, P. Asadi, J. Köberl, Hans Peter Hutter We would also like to thank the following individuals who were key partners of URAT and ensured the success of the event: Frans van deer Straaten, Monika Kresic, Monika Köhler, Gregor Schmalhofer, Michaela Stotz, Sofia Soldo and the musicians Clemens Wenger and Daniel Riegler. The URAT core team, Michael Staudinger and Joaquin Toro 3 4 Proceedings from UR Austria Foreword T he first edition of the Understanding Risk Austria Conference (URAT) was an unquestionable success, bringing together for the first time policy makers, risk modelers, insurance, risk communicators, academia, and practitioners (private and public sectors) from all the corners of Austria to meet, learn, and share best practices in disaster risk management and adaptation to climate change. The upcoming Austrian national ISDR Platform and the World Bank provided the basis for the organization and creative interaction of different ministries, federal governments, scientific institutions and actors from the private sector. During January 20th and 21st of 2016, the city of Vienna hosted the first Understanding Risk Conference for a developed country, URAT. The event was hosted with all the elegance and charm of a city that breads culture and at the same time that has suffered from flood disasters in the past. The City Hall or “Rathaus” hosted the Opening Ceremony and the URAT Ignites. The next day we moved to the “Vienna Old Stock Exchange”, where the eight sessions took place. Almost 300 people participated of the two day event where the talent and expertise of Austria’s communities, scientists, technologists, NGO’s, private sector and government to develop shared understanding of the challenges we face in building long-term resilience to natural hazards; the impacts of climate change; and develop innovative solutions to meet them. Probably the builders of the St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna must have been cognizant of the country’s exposure to floods, landslides, and avalanches and other natural hazards when building this impressive site. The pattern of the roof tiles resembles earthquake waves, the snowy mountains, and the rivers around cities. Maybe, when you live in a country that understands its risks so well, you never stop to put much thought into the efforts that national, regional, and local governments do to reduce this risk. Austria’s knowledge and experience in dealing with disaster reduction is impressive, and we hope that with initiatives like the Understanding Risk Forum, this can be shared internally and even more widely. Photo credit: Joaquin Toro 5 Understanding Risk: Building Boulder’s Resilience 6 Proceedings from UR Austria Innovations in Multi-Hazard Warning Systems Innovations in Multi-Hazard Warning Systems Background/ Challenges/questions Presentations introduction In order to set up an efficient Paul Davies (UKMO) – “The UK There have been very significant multi-hazard warning system in National Hazard Platform - Experiences and Challenges” advancements in multi-hazard Austria, cooperation between warning systems over the last the different actors needs to The 2007 floods in the UK five years, opening new areas of improve significantly and technical caused Euro 3,7bn in damage and user orientation. Crisis situations innovation is needed in various prompted an independent review, require a holistic approach in ways. Bringing together different which led in subsequent years order to assess a scenario in all its partners helps define interfaces to more cooperation between possible consequences: how will and areas of competence, but entities involved in warning for people be affected, how can they also fosters understanding of natural and technical hazards and be most effectively reached, and the limitations of each entity, risks and the Flood Forecasting which reactions by authorities and for example, in terms of the Centre (FFC). The FFC, jointly individuals can minimize damage reliability of information at any operated by the Environment to life and property. Despite good given moment during an evolving Agency and the UK Met Office, collaboration between Austria’s crisis. A special challenge facing is located in Exeter within the relevant partners, multi-hazard Austria is reaching people visiting Met Office infrastructure. The warning systems in Austria are at from outside Austria who have FFC integrates meteorological present only partly implemented little or no skills in the local information with hydrological data in a consistent way. For example, language or knowledge of local and publishes this information different regions use different warning systems. A common over a five-day warning period. For technical mechanisms to convey warning system across Europe is other hazards, the National Hazard warnings; a system with a universal a necessity given the continent’s Partnership was established in approach is lacking. In addition, annual influx of 25 million tourists. 2011 under the jurisdiction of the resilience to extreme events Therefore, reaching users in a Cabinet Office to extend coverage exists at some level for natural consistent way with different of the range of hazards beyond hazards, but has to be developed technical means for various meteorology to volcanic ash, space for aspects like ground erosion. information platforms poses a weather, landslides, forest fires, Learning from other countries and technical challenge not easily and air quality. This cooperation has introducing innovative methods overcome, as different systems yielded better-informed mitigation and best practices could therefore are employed at present by federal and adaptation strategies for be very helpful for Austria’s and local authorities in Austria. the institutions involved and has authorities tasked with warning also provided capacity to address for extreme natural and other linked and compound hazards. hazards and risks. Bringing together institutions of various backgrounds to operate in coordination requires patience, mutual understanding, and a certain amount of resolve and Photo credit: Paul Gilmore 7 Innovations in Multi-Hazard Warning Systems courage to address new and infrastructure. In order to model smartphones to disseminate unforeseen challenges. the effect of this phenomenon of official warnings and alerts to changing precipitation patterns users in the general public in two Michael Staudinger (ZAMG) – a broader perspective is needed ways: one, via an App, allows a “Which Warnings Work?” to understand all possibilities for user to receive warnings from Warnings for natural and technical increased resilience. This process 7 different locations, or two, a hazards are in most cases has to include population dynamics, feature called Guardian Angel, formulated by scientists, who ecosystem services, organized which finds and retrieves warnings have to combine a plethora of government services, physical for the current location of the information into a single accessible infrastructure, and economic, smart phone. For the issuer of and understandable phrase. Users social, and cultural services. the warnings, the program is very often feature too little in this easy to operate, since a polygon Warnings for natural and technical hazards are in most cases formulated by scientists, who have to combine a plethora of information into a single accessible and understandable phrase. discussion. The European warning Hans-Gerrit Möws (BBK) – “The and pre-texted messages can platform MeteoAlarm, operated Modular Warning System be compiled in very short time. by EUMETNET, provided an (MoWas)” Additional triggering for sirens, opportunity to debate and define Germany places responsibility for TV sets, SMS, public displays, and the prerequisites of effective crisis management at the federal control of infrastructure can be warnings to be used in 36 level (as do many other countries), added to the system. KatWarn is different nations. A simple, four- which creates challenges in funded by the insurance industry level colour code for describing reaching responsible authorities and has at present more than 1 damage and advising action proved and individuals in a coherent and million users. to be the best solution to achieve well-structured way. Given those a meaningful response by the challenges, the Federal Office public in case of rare events with of Civil Protection and Disaster Conclusions high damage implications. In these Assistance deployed the MoWas The existing multi-hazard warning cases memory of past events are system at the federal and state little helpful as 100 years events systems used in UK and Germany, level. At both levels, the system transcend clearly the experience as well as the challenges they face, can issue geo-referenced warnings of individuals and people have are very relevant to the Austrian that are then transmitted via to be ready for extraordinary situation. Thus, they can provide satellite in a matter of seconds measures to be taken. examples of best practices, to radio, TV, paging systems, the which could be incorporated into Internet, and Deutsche Bahn AG’s Chris Renschler (SUNY Buffalo) – Austria’s system. Cooperation loudspeaker system and can be “Peoples’ Resilience: Scenarios as between different authorities distributed to a wider network Basis for Multi-Hazard Warnings” working on crisis prevention and from there. Changing precipitation patterns crisis management in Austria are causing all types of impacts Ortwin Neuschwander has to be intensified; scientific like landslides, floods, avalanches, (Fraunhofer-Institut) – “KatWarn: institutions can help by catalyzing and soil erosion. The last, in Technical Possibilities of Warning the innovative processes Systems” needed to achieve accurate particular, can create a continually deteriorating condition for The KatWarn system uses the warnings and alerts for climate agriculture, forestry, and capabilities of GPS-located and hazards altered by climate 8 Proceedings from UR Austria Innovations in Multi-Hazard Warning Systems change. This process requires To understand the risk in a given is more needed than ever, as the a new coordinated strategy situation, levels of vulnerability responses needed in extreme between actors on national, and exposure have to be known; situations are not comparable sub-national, and local levels a people-centered approach to normal adverse situations. and a cross-sectorial approach to increase resilience includes The use of the 4-level danger concerning various hazard therefore more than just scale employed across Europe natural science. It also has to scenarios. This would produce offers a good model where a include economic and social better understanding of complex situation of rare hazard with very perspectives and the capacities and fluid damage scenarios and serious consequences can be and competencies of communities, more appropriate responses by all well-differentiated against other which often go underestimated. administrative levels involved. As hazard levels, which may also the discussion during the session A well-structured process to cause damage, but occur more showed, heat warnings as well as disseminate warnings is equally frequently. New technical systems measures to mitigate the effects important. To effectively reach the like Germany’s KatWarn should be of heat, are deficient at present in various types of warning users, tested and evaluated for use in Austria. precise user-oriented language Austria as well. 9 Understanding Risk: Building Boulder’s Resilience 10 Proceedings from UR Austria Community-level Risk management Community-level Risk Management Reinhard Mechler, IIASA Michiko Hama, alpS Oskar Januschke, Stadtgemeinde Lienz Ina Meyer, WIFO Paul Dobersberger, alpS Background/ Key Challenges/ Summary of Introduction Questions Presentations Disaster risks are on the rise. Key challenges and research Oskar Januschke (City of Lienz) While there are considerable questions addressed in the session – “The ‘Making Cities Resilient uncertainties regarding the exact include: Campaign’ – Moving the City of contribution of anthropogenic Lienz Towards Resiliency” climate change to disaster risk and l What are necessary multi-actor This initial presentation discussed related impacts, increasing losses partnerships for managing work undertaken by the city from extreme events – globally increased disaster risk at local council of Lienz in the area of and in Austria – show the need levels? risk management that earned it for comprehensively addressing l What are the main impacts an award under the UNISDR ‘s climate-related risks at multiple of climate change and socio- ‘Making Cities Resilient Campaign.’ levels. Among potential responses, economic changes that affect In addition to highlighting the an increased focus on linking communities and municipalities individual steps taken by the climate change adaptation (CCA) in Austria, in particular, the city municipality, which ultimately led and disaster risk reduction (DRM) of Lienz? to the award, the talk outlined the is called for. In addition, innovative continuing efforts to increase the partnerships between research, l What are useful and scientifically rigorous tools and resilience of the urban community. public, and private sectors as well The presentation covered the as civil society organizations are methods that can inform local policy formulation and action on initial assessment of the current needed. This session focused on risk situation, comprehensive risk research about community-level local scales? management, and risk monitoring disaster risk management in Austria l How are the risks and associated measures. and relevant policy and practice impacts changing over time? insights from that research with l How can global climate risk tools Ina Mayer (WIFO) – “‘Local a view towards identifying useful be adapted to the local level in Reasons for Concern’ - a methods and tools to inform local Austria to serve as a decision- Process-Oriented Approach action. support in adaptive and iterative to Climate-Sensitive Risk risk management? Management” Building on the efforts undertaken by the City of Lienz (Tyrol), the Photo credit: Joaquin Toro 11 Community-level Risk management ARISE research project developed adaptation (CCA) communities. identification of factors at local a decision-support system for The LRCs hold high potential to levels which decisively influence informing climate-sensitive serve as a communication and disaster events and impacts. iterative risk management for use decision-support tool by creating The forensic analysis (termed at the local level. Designed as an a sense of stewardship and Post-Event Review Capability - adaptation approach, it builds on ownership about existing and PERC) has so far been applied in a the IPCC’s “Reasons for Concern” emergent climate-related risks. number of case studies, including concept, which divides global It enabled local stakeholders to the large-scale flooding in 2013 climate change-related risks into draw from existing iterative risk in Austria’s DACH region. This five categories to inform global management and adaptation presentation discussed factors mitigation policy. This integrative concepts, as well as to co-design that decisively affected extent concept has received a great new such concepts, in order to and damages in Austria relative An element of the program is forensic analysis, i.e.. the near-term identification of factors at local levels which decisively influence disaster events and impacts. deal of attention from global reduce the risks aggravated by to the experience in Germany and policymakers, but has not been climate change and socio-economic Switzerland. A comparable event tested for its applicability at development and therefore, had happened in 2002; yet, in the local levels in informing climate contribute to building resilience 2013 disaster, the overall inflation- adaptation and risk management at the local level. Highlighting the adjusted losses were much lower strategies and implementation. The most relevant climate-related than in the earlier event (Euro project ARISE addressed this gap risks at the municipal level through 0.9bn vs. 3bn). Analysis done by developing and testing a generic, the use of the LRCs addresses by the Zurich Flood Resilience participatory approach organised a critical gap; with the additional Alliance with IIASA identified the jointly with key stakeholders in the actionable input produced, local following success factors, which City of Lienz around “Local Reasons governments are able to choose helped to avoid some, but not all for Concern” (LRC). This scenario- from a variety of available and of the losses - there is no perfect based, pro-active risk management novel adaptation measures and protection against large-scale approach is contributing to building tailor those accordingly to specific disasters: long-term resilience at the local requirements. level by helping local decision- l High-risk awareness. In makers identify key climate-related Reinhard Mechler (IIASA) Austria, particularly in lower risks and plan effective, efficient, and Michael Szönyi (Zuerich Austria, it is common practice and locally-acceptable adaptation Insurance) – “Flood Resilience that municipalities, supported and risk management measures. Alliance in the D-A-CH and by relevant authorities, conduct other Regions: Results and a self-assessment of the risks As one important outcome, Implications of the ‘Zurich they face. The risk analysis the cooperation between Community Flood Resilience and training carried out is practitioners/decision-makers Alliance’” very participatory, involving from the City of Lienz and the The Zurich Flood Resilience Alliance subjective ranking by the Tyrolean Regional Government is an action-oriented, multi-partner municipalities and identification and scientists from the ARISE program operating globally to of key risks and actions. project and elsewhere helped close strengthen the resilience of l Clear lines of responsibility the gap between practitioner and communities against flooding. within Austrian states. A lot scientific disaster risk reduction An element of the program is of effort has been invested (DRR) and climate change forensic analysis, i.e.. the near-term into defining clear lines of 12 Proceedings from UR Austria Community-level Risk management responsibility for dealing with robustness, redundancy, flexibility, to address the complex mix of flooding within Austrian states. resourcefulness, and inclusion. competencies and responsibilities Training at municipality and that are needed to develop more state levels has been extensive effective climate adaptation and has proved very effective. Conclusions and disaster risk management. Policy-relevant guidance as well l Mobile dams made a In part due to the research and as operational input would help difference in the 2013 flood practice efforts discussed here advance the development of an event and did not collapse when (including innovative partnerships, integrated Austrian strategy on put to their first real test. models, and tools), there is adaptation. As a recent review Although expensive, these will increasing understanding that has shown, coordinated and be further raised, particularly in joint action for multi-stakeholder cross-sectorial initiatives across high-profile regions with some partnerships between private administrative levels are rare and tourist appeal (such as in the and public actors is essential are hampered by institutional Wachau). for fostering building disaster barriers and a lack of clear l Soft resilience measures, and climate resilience. However, allocation of responsibilities. such as keeping retention respective and collective roles Attention to local levels is of areas vacant, alongside hard- and responsibilities to build this utmost importance. resilience solutions (dams) have resilience are blurry and subject been effective buffers against to negotiation – in Austria and The local risks and disaster risk flooding. elsewhere. Among the challenges management and adaptation tools in this area: many disaster risks discussed in the session may serve affect private as well as public as a starting point for defining Paul Dobesberger (alpS) – “How goods; legislation and policy have and advancing broad-based risk Resilient is My Community to evolved over the years towards allocation. The “Local Reasons for Risks and Disasters? Findings a partly explicit, partly implicit Concern” tool, a scenario-based, from the DG ECHO Project CP understanding of various actors’ pro-active risk management Model roles in preventing, financing, approach jointly developed with Within the framework of the responding to, or recovering from key stakeholders in the City of CP Model project co-financed risks and events linked to natural Lienz, holds promise, particularly if by the European Commission’s hazards; and actions undertaken it can be integrated with forensic Humanitarian Aid and Civil by one actor may limit or broaden frameworks and broad resilience Protection Department (DG-ECHO), the room to manoeuvre of other measurements to identify partner organizations from Greece, actors, or the actions expected capacities and gaps. The approach Italy, Spain, and Great Britain from other actors, and may and resulting guidelines of the LRC developed a method to measure encourage inaction or free-riding tool have since been vetted by the the resilience of communities behaviour. These roles are being Städtebund. They may contribute against crises and disasters. On discussed and re-negotiated to building long-term resilience the basis of a self-assessment continuously, e.g., the role of at the local level by helping local of the municipality by means of insurance entities in a changing decision-makers identify key climate a standardized questionnaire, climate is a topic of constant and and other risks and plan effective, resilience was assessed in the contested debate in Austria and efficient, and locally relevant fields of disaster preparedness other EU countries. adaptation and risk management and disaster relief and assessed measures. Further research should with regard to various attributes Further applied, policy-relevant build on these insights and apply of resilience. These attributes research is needed to generate the lessons learnt to other cases are defined as reflexivity, appropriate methods and tools and issues. 13 14 Proceedings from UR Austria Risk Communication—Ways to Understand Each Other Risk Communication—Ways to Understand Each Other Chairs Thomas Glade, (University of Vienna) Monika Stickler, (Austrian Red Cross, Vienna) Background/ Key Challenges/ Summary of Introduction Questions Presentations Risk communication is a central There are many challenges PD Dr. Florian Rudolf-Miklau aspect of risk management in finding optimal ways to (Austrian Federal Ministry and governance. It defines the communicate with and understand of Agriculture, Forestry, way information is collected, each other. Research and science Environment and Water disseminated, perceived and collect a huge amount of data, Management (BMFLUW)) understood by actors ranging but how is this knowledge Dr. Rudolf-Miklau introduced from experts and responsible most effectively disseminated? concepts, strategies and administrative units to the directly Authorities and organizations experiences of risk communication affected public and the general involved in risk assessment or within Disaster Risk Reduction public. The aim of this session risk reduction are experienced (DRR) at municipality and regional was to represent different in dealing with various external levels. The governmental backgrounds, concepts, and conditions, but risk communication dimension of risk communication applications of risk communication is not their primary focus. The was addressed in discussion about used in a variety of Austrian general public – whether or not the responsibility of the state institutional settings. it has been affected by disasters to protect its citizens as well as previously – often has little the responsibility to inform the access to information or is not public about life-threatening very interested in engaging with emergencies and foreseeable risk assessment or risk reduction disasters. In terms of the authorities. How do practitioners socio-political dimension of risk address all of these challenges, communication, it was noted that while meeting the main challenge addressing “risk culture” is of major of ensuring that the correct importance in any communication message reaches the targeted of risks. Risk was introduced as a group in a timely manner? construct based on many societal factors such as public opinion, socioeconomic position, or general moral concepts. Finally, within the operational dimension of risk communication, it is fundamental to ensure feasibility of risk Photo credit: Nastco 15 Risk Communication—Ways to Understand Each Other participation of all involved parties within the risk management cycle. Mag. Gerald Czech (Austrian Red Cross) – “Risk Communication or Communication as Risk?” Starting with a brief introduction of risk resilience, the risk communication concept was linked to emergent social characters, to risk and coping strategies, and to the question of participation instead of education. The risk society was elaborated by explaining that risk is constructed, that one has to face ideological problems, and that there is a discrepancy between experts and their opinions and the trust of the actors involved herein. It was concluded that the communication of resilience is seen as a challenge for the future; an integrated approach combining risk and crisis communication is needed which must be implemented in both vertical and horizontal dimensions of society and which must utilize various types of social media in From Fuchs S. et al. (2009): Evaluating cartographic design in flood risk mapping. order to reach its goal. Environmental Hazards 8, p. 52-70 PD Dr. Sven Fuchs (University of Natural Resources and Life communicate, whereas as research objects of major importance with Sciences (BOKU), Austria) shows, the concept of “design high contrast and to distinguish Dr. Fuchs discussed the challenges event” is easier to understand. The hazard information using spatial in communicating the spatial ‘design event’ concept has already representations. In addition, dimension of hazard and risk been incorporated into the Austrian information has to be merged and information, focusing in particular spatial planning concept, specifically, actions have to be described with on related issues of probabilities, Austrian Avalanche Control hazard clarity and in an accessible manner. return periods, and uncertainties maps. One of the draw-backs of events. At the outset, it was of such maps is that security is Mag. Stefan Schoenhacker noted that affected residents, fore implied outside the delineated (Ministry of the Interior (BMI), example, need different information hazard zones, which is a crucially Austria) than politicians. Nevertheless, false conclusion. Within such maps, The final presentation covered probabilities are very difficult to it is essential to present single general concepts of education 16 Proceedings from UR Austria Risk Communication—Ways to Understand Each Other for risk reduction, including of study on risk communication Conclusions principles of communication, as available at the university level, well as educational programmes although a few highly-specialized This session highlighted the targeted at different groups of Master’s programmes exist. wide variety of activities and interested parties. In Austria’s At the University of Vienna, a approaches used to address primary and secondary schools, general post-graduate programme “risk communication.” Risk risk reduction and management targeted at employees of communication is used in a including risk communication is not institutions that have to cope variety of settings within risk a formal part of the curriculum. with emergency and risk situations management and governance However, risk reduction and depending on the parties involved, has developed a Master’s degree management has links to the the specific purpose of the course on the topic “OeRISK disciplines of Physics (radioactive communication, and the type and – Risk Prevention and Disaster threats), Biology (pandemics), variety of media available. Risk Management.” However, the Chemistry (toxic materials), communication plays a central most prominent training on and Geography and Economy role in all kinds of contexts, and the general theme of “Risk (natural hazards and insurance, therefore needs to be utilized in respectively), among others. In Communication,” which itself is order to increase the success of addition, many operational units often embedded within courses on any risk reduction initiative. It such as the fire brigade, the Red Risk Management, are commonly is important to bring research, Cross, Mountain Rescue, and offered as specialised advanced science, and education together others visit primary and secondary training courses by institutions with authorities and organizations schools for special events to such as the Ministry of the involved in risk reduction in order demonstrate their work and Interior, the Red Cross, the Fire to produce “risk communication” highlight their different missions. Brigades, etc. with a certificate for that is tailored to different target There is no general programme completion. groups. Reprinted with special permission of King Syndicate. http://www.coolgeography.co.uk/GCSE/Year11/Managing%20Hazards/What%20are%20hazards/natural_hazards.htm 17 UR Boulder Tech Challenge 18 Proceedings from UR Austria Risk Governance Risk Governance Chair Mag. Robert Stocker, MBA – Head of Department for Crisis and Disaster Management, Ministry of the Interior Austria Contributors Priv. Doz. Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Franz Sinabell – Austrian Institute of Economic Research Ass. Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Doris Damyanovic – Deputy Head of the Institute of Landscape Planning (ILAP), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in Vienna Background/ Given its location in the heart of Key Challenges/ Introduction: Europe, Austria not only faces Questions hazards on its own territory, but Europe as a whole is considered hazards in its border areas with A key challenge in the field of to be significantly more developed neighboring states. Additionally, disaster risk management lies in in the field of crisis and disaster given the economic importance of connecting public stakeholders and preparedness than many other its tourist industry and its concern their activities with: regions in the world. However, for the safety and security of within Europe and specifically its guests, Austria is eager to l disaster- and risk-related within the area of the European maintain the highest possible level activities of the private sector Union, there are variations in of prevention and preparedness l needs identified for the approaches and quality in disaster against disasters. Moreover, safety and security of critical risk management among the Austria´s rescue organizations infrastructure states. At the outset, it should as well as its fire services – both l opportunities resulting from be emphasized that European fundamental elements of disaster progress in science and research countries vary strongly in their risk response – are built with and profiles with respect to natural as greatly dependent on volunteer l new knowledge gained from well as technological hazards. In services; indeed, about 50% of lessons learnt from past addition, as with other regions of the Austrian population engages disasters the world, incidents in one country in voluntary activities. Against In recent years, Austria has also often have impacts on neighboring this backdrop, the role and worked on its national risk analysis. countries as well. Consequently, responsibility of the state for the Having achieved first results from the international community wellbeing of society is evident. this analysis, it is crucial to adjust strives toward common and disaster management activities to harmonized solutions for disaster reflect these results. prevention and preparedness, risk monitoring, and public warning, including alarm tools. Photo credit: Dmitrij Paskevic 19 Risk Governance Austria is highly exposed to flood risks. In June 2013, major flooding in parts of Austria led to damages of approximately 0.9bn €. (Photo creditoto: erwo1) Summary of until life returns “back to normal.” group-specific approach to the Presentations management of risks at the local In addition, relevant cost-benefit level is crucial because disasters Franz Sinabell from the Austrian calculations need to be oriented affect different groups of people Institute of Economic Research towards the future. Here in different ways. highlighted the economic especially, spatial structure plans dimension of damages resulting are often in conflict with risk Prof. Damyanovic’s presentation from natural disasters in Austria mitigation strategies. featured key insights from the as well as the public expenditures results of a target group-specific for prevention. He also suggested Prosperity, population growth, analysis regarding the various possible ways to optimize damage and the rise in the number of fields of action in natural hazards control. densely-populated urban areas management. She also discussed increase expectations for losses in tools and planning instruments In addition to calculating the costs disasters. Countermeasures might developed for use at local and of immediate, tangible damage, the include a damage control approach regional planning levels. The target costs of economic consequences, that integrates prevention group-specific analysis, examining welfare losses, and the temporary strategies, the early involvement aspects both during and after procurement of public goods need of mpeople living in areas at risk, a natural event, highlighted the to be accounted for as well. In this and the balancing of regional different ways disaster responses regard, risk management not only funding programs with tax loads. must address women and men and consists of the management of the the young and old. The analysis event itself, but also management Prof. Doris Damyanovic from found that response organizations of preparedness measures as well the University of Natural as well as the broader public have as management of potentially Resources and Life Sciences in sometimes neglected gender long-lasting recovery measures Vienna emphasized that a target and group-specific aspects in 20 Proceedings from UR Austria Risk Governance National funds to mitigate losses due to floods, torrents, avalanches, and mud-flows 450 400 Million Euro in real termas 2010 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 n Federal state n Provinces n Beneficiaries Source: Own estimates based on BMLFUW, 2015 and bmvit, 2015 addressing hazards. Furthermore, l even global and common insurance companies and which has sound knowledge of target groups challenges in terms of resilience been in service for several years and differentiated approaches require approaches at the local now. are necessary in order to properly level consider the different needs of target groups. In our modern and connected world, the responsible actors (i.e., public authorities and, Conclusion under their guidance, also public On both the national scale and the utilities considered to be critical local scale, the use of a modern Both topics that were presented infrastructure) require active communication tool like KATWARN and discussed are more relevant communication channels and allows the dissemination of than ever, and in the light of tools for warning the public of warnings and information to the the new “Sendai Framework for hazards. This is important not only population via various information Disaster Risk Reduction,” will for civil protection in the event channels – e.g., SMS, social media, require far more attention in the of national hazards, but even email, electronic advertising future. more so with respect to local and boards, electronic traffic regional hazard situations, which information displays, TV, radio, In the discussion following the require immediate warning and sirens, QR codes – in cooperation presentations, three key points information for citizens. with critical infrastructure emerged: operators. The public’s reaction In Germany, one example of such to such warnings and information l lower population densities an approach is the warning and is key to helping minimize loss of minimize hazard risks alarm platform KATWARN, which life, injury, and private and public l increased requirements in the was developed by the Fraunhofer economic damages. context of risk governance lead organization together with to an increase in infrastructure German municipalities and public costs 21 Thresholds and Tipping Points: Looking Beyond the Obvious 22 Proceedings from UR Austria Options for the Future: Satellite Earth Observation and Economic Evaluation of Climate Change Impacts Options for the Future: Satellite Earth Observation and Economic Evaluation of Climate Change Impacts Chairs Karl W. Steininger, University of Graz Thomas Geist, FFG Background/ parameters. The Copernicus service Introduction component combines observations from satellites and in-situ Satellite Earth observation and infrastructure (such as ground, air, economic evaluation of climate ship, or buoy-based sensors), as well change impacts are two individual as reference and ancillary data, and fields of work sharing a common assimilates them into a wide set of characteristic - they promise a models. bundle of new “options for the future” for risk analysis, mitigation, To respond to the user demands, and adaptation. the Copernicus Service Component is organized into six thematic In the area of satellite-based Earth services, namely, the Atmosphere observation, the European Earth Monitoring Service, Marine Observation Programme Copernicus Environment Monitoring Service, will catalyze many activities in Land Monitoring Service, Climate the next years. The objective of Change Service, Emergency Copernicus is to provide timely and Management Service, and Security reliable observation data and value- Service. These Copernicus added information and forecasting services support a wide range of on a wide set of geo-referenced downstream applications in various 23 Options for the Future: Satellite Earth Observation and Economic Evaluation of Climate Change Impacts public and commercial domains, to consider the potential range of Together with a flexible, airborne including in the field of risk analysis impacts that might occur. sensor platform, targeted support and mitigation. for emergency management activities can be realised. Beyond climate change, there Summary of are very few areas where the Presentations Wolfgang Wagner (TU Wien) – lag between action and potential “How is Global Change Linked Alexander Almer (Joanneum impact is as long and where the to Local Actions? The Role of Research) – “Satellite- and Earth Observation in Tackling risk of delaying an appropriate Airborne-based Remote Extreme Weather Events” response may entail impacts Sensing Solutions for of such enormous magnitude. Until the middle of the 20th Emergency Management Thus, there is a clear need for Century, most people could not Support” adequate information for society imagine that human activities on climate change and its impacts. Climate change will lead to a on the local scale would have an Detailed information on the dramatic increase in damage impact on the global environment. economic evaluation of climate from forest fire and flooding Even today, when the results of change implications is crucial as a events through the end of the climate warming are obvious in The optimisation of civil protection management is a crucial topic on national and international levels to protect human life and resources in a more effective way and to keep the impact of catastrophic events as low as possible. prerequisite for political decision- 21st Century. Therefore, the many places, it is still hard for making about climate change optimisation of civil protection many people to recognize these adaptation and mitigation. management is a crucial topic on changes as such and understand national and international levels to the implications of their activities protect human life and resources for the global environment. Key Challenges/ in a more effective way and to Earth observation with satellites Questions keep the impact of catastrophic represents the best possibility to analyse these connections and Climate change impacts are multi- events as low as possible. Key make them more recognizable. faceted, interdependent, and is the early recognition of crisis characterised by a high degree situations on the one hand The presentation draws on of uncertainty. Thus, analysis and the targeted support of meaningful examples to illustrate of these impacts necessitates emergency response situations how a new generation of earth collaboration across a broad on the other hand. Multi-sensor observation satellites could be set of disciplines and expertise, satellite data and aerial imagery used to capture the impacts and and entails devising appropriate provide timely and comprehensive the damage caused by extreme scenarios. Climate scenario information products for decision- weather events. It also shows how analysis to date indicates that the support before, during, and after this satellite information can be expected mean values associated catastrophic events. provided to individual stakeholders with climate change damage for mitigation measures. are increasing. However, since In the European Earth Observation mean values by definition are Programme Copernicus, Karl W. Steininger (University surrounded by a considerable specific services for emergency of Graz) – Economic Evaluation amount of uncertainty, it is crucial management will be established. of Climate Change Damages Proceedings from UR Austria Options for the Future: Satellite Earth Observation and Economic Evaluation of Climate Change Impacts for Austria: Consistent Heimo Berghold (ASFINAG) Conclusions Interdisciplinary Modelling and – “Evaluation of Natural Results Disaster Damage Protection by Both satellite earth observation ASFINAG” and economic evaluation of climate Climate change causes manifold change impacts promise a bundle impacts at national and local The ASFINAG road network is well of new “options for the future” levels, which in turn have various protected against the effect of for risk analysis, mitigation, and economy-wide implications (e.g., natural hazards. Impacts of climate adaptation. on welfare, employment, or tax change on the operation of the revenues). Society needs to motorways could not be detected For satellite earth observation, prioritize which of these impacts clearly even now. To be prepared their potential has to be proven to address in its response, and for possible future challenges, through meaningful demonstration what share of resources to spend the ASFINAG network will be projects with close involvement on each respective adaptation. checked during the coming years. of relevant user groups. The role A prerequisite to deciding these In this inspection, all known natural of these groups is important priorities is an economic impact hazard spots will be examined as to to learning how the steady and analysis that is consistent across whether the present protection is growing data and information sectors and acknowledges inter- sufficient. In addition, new danger streams, for example, from the sectoral and economy-wide zones will be investigated, while Copernicus programme, can be feedback effects. protective buildings will also be utilized in the most effective way. registered and rated. Traditional Integrated Assessment In applying the economic evaluation Models (IAMs) are usually employed This evaluation will not delve of climate impact approach to the for data at a level too aggregated into detail; rather, the danger alpine country of Austria, we find for this end, while bottom-up potential will be estimated by a that macroeconomic feedbacks can impact models most often are specialist. All hazard points and magnify sectoral climate damages not fully comprehensive, focusing protective buildings will be shown up to fourfold, or that by mid- on only a subset of climate- in a Natural Hazard Indication Plan century the costs of climate change sensitive sectors and/or a subset and recorded in a database. Hazard will clearly outweigh benefits—with of climate change impact chains. points from the Natural Hazard net costs rising two- to fourfold Thus, an approach was presented Indication Plan that are expected above current damage cost levels. here which utilized climate and to have a high danger potential will The resulting specific impact socioeconomic scenario analysis, be investigated in detail. If action information—differentiated by harmonized economic costing, and is warranted based on the detailed climate and economic drivers—can sector-explicit bandwidth analysis in investigation, planning and building support sector-specific adaptation a coupled framework of eleven (bio) of protective buildings will be as well as adaptive capacity building. physical impact assessment models undertaken. and a uniform multi-sectoral, computable general equilibrium model. 25 26 Proceedings from UR Austria Disaster Risk Management and Adaptation to Climate Change Disaster Risk Management and Adaptation to Climate Change Chairs Klaus Radunsky (Federal Environment Agency) Birgit Bednar-Friedl (University of Graz) Background/ climate change aims to prevent Introduction extreme weather events from turning into natural disasters. Time and again, Austria has been This approach has the potential affected by natural disasters. Flood for success inasmuch as climate disasters have caused particularly change can be limited by preventing extensive damage amounting greenhouse gas emissions. The to billions of Euros and involving increasing damage from disasters human casualties as recently in Austria should be motivation to as 2002 and 2013. Heat wave increase efforts towards raising disasters caused significantly lower resilience in facing extreme events. damages, but more fatalities in 2003 and 2015. Key Challenges/ The Special Report on Extreme Questions Events and Disasters (2011) by The following four presentations the Intergovernmental Panel on focused on current examples Climate Change (IPCC) outlined, of flood protection from the inter alia, that the climate change Netherlands and Austria, has already led to changes in respectively, as well as on intensity, duration, frequency or adjustment measures in the public spatial expansion in extreme events, domain and, concretely, in Styria. and that additional increases in The following questions or topics intensity of these events – such as heat waves and torrential rains – were addressed, inter alia, in the are to be expected in the future. lectures: A prediction-based approach for l Handling uncertainties adjustment measures to tackle l Level of preparedness for Photo credit: Paul Gilmore 27 Disaster Risk Management and Adaptation to Climate Change structural protective measures, a preventive approach should be already being used by the affected insurance, and emergency seen as a precondition of socially households. A major finding of the measures among private and economically sustainable evaluation is that insurances are households development. In the Netherlands, being implemented as a stand-alone the planning of measures (with measure, whereas consultation l Challenges concerning citizen participation) takes place with neighbors, emergency adjustments in the public domain based on a risk management measures, and the elaboration l Development of an adjustment approach that includes the of an emergency plan are being strategy in a federal state: following three stages: prevention implemented in a combined fashion. process, first results, and next (stage 1), spatial planning (stage Notably, an additional group of steps 2), ad contingency planning and households opted for no form of crisis management (stage 3). protective measures, relying on the Uncertainties must not serve as principle of hope. Summary of an excuse for inactivity; rather, Presentations they should be addressed by Birgit-Bednar Friedl (Wegener Koos Wieriks (Ministry building increased flexibility into Center, University of Graz) the planning and implementation – “Adjustment in the Public of Infrastructure and stages. Finally, the “Build Back Domain” Environment, The Netherlands) Better (BBB)“ objective, inter The project PACINAS – Public – “Dealing with Uncertainties: alia, is instructive and should be Adaptation to Climate Change The Dutch Approach” emphasized. incorporated, among other There is a vital need for a activities, a detailed breakdown of preventive approach – as opposed Sebastian Seebauer (Wegener the 132 measures included in the to mere alleviation of damages – Center, University of Graz) - Austrian Adjustment Strategy. It that involves increased resilience “Specific (National) Measures examines the relevant stakeholders and a higher level of preparedness. Against Floods” and elaborates on the individual This requires a strategic approach This session focused on the first steps to be taken in the process of oriented for the long-term, which results of the project PATCHES initiation, funding, implementation, takes into consideration changing – Private Adaptation to Climate and beneficiary identification, climatic conditions. For this Change – related to private flood as well as in comparing the approach, the planning horizon in protection measures. The process contribution of public and private the Netherlands is 100 years. The entailed surveying more than stakeholders. Thus, it is possible to approach should be embedded in 1800 households in 10 Austrian show that the private sector is also a broader agenda of sustainability communities, which were selected a frequent beneficiary of activities (e.g., Sustainable Development based on their experience with in the public domain, although Goals; specifically Goal 11) and in highly damaging flood disasters initiation of those activities comes the Sendai Frameworks, both of over the last 10 years. As part predominantly from the public which are based on a timeframe of the study, attempts are being domain (Fig. 2). The study has to 2030. The author suggested made to promote the political and also shown that in the course of that the objectives of the Sendai regulatory environment related implementation of the national Frameworks should also be to private adjustment, barriers, Adjustment Strategy many federal applied at the level of cities and and incentives, as well as the departments will be affected and that all relevant societal groups information environment (Fig. 1). that many fields of adjustment should be engaged achieving the The session covered the packages will affect several departments goals so as to install, inter alia, a of measures – inter alia, structural simultaneously. However, climate- monitoring and review process measures, special insurances, and induced expenditure directly at the national public level. Such emergency measures (sandbags) – impacts the budget in the form 28 Proceedings from UR Austria Disaster Risk Management and Adaptation to Climate Change Figure 1. Risk layering concerning private households dealing with floods High risk Comprehensive Structural awareness measures measures Group of measures Insurance Few measures Sandbags Low No measures Principle hope risk-taking Figure 2 Classification of the Austrian Adjustment Strategy’s measures by stakeholders and stages of implementation 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 Public Private Public Private Public Private Public Private Initiator Financier Implementer Beneficiary n EU n EU n Provinces n Municipalities n Municipalities n Public companies n Private households n Private households n National public good n Regional public good n Regional public good 29 Disaster Risk Management and Adaptation to Climate Change of increased spending, but also different local departments, as well Conclusions indirectly impacts the budget by as an extended project team that means of a reduced tax base, for also included external experts (from The management of natural instance, as a consequence of the Federal Environment Agency, disasters in Austria is characterized increased repairs of damage from inter alia). The objective of the by response-recovery governance. flooding. measures is to lessen, i.e., prevent With respect to adjustment to the undesirable consequences of climate change in Austria, a first Therefore, effective step of the awareness-raising climate change for natural, social, implementation of the Adjustment process is underway among several and economic systems. Each Strategy requires close inter- sectors, municipalities, and federal measure included the following departmental coordination. states. actions: Furthermore, regular and consistent documentation However, a comprehensive, l Defining relevant stakeholders of adjustment-related public inter-related approach based and involving them in the expenditures is essential in order on iterative risk management process to enable forward planning is lacking. Such an approach is in a process of iterative risk l Carrying out an inventory of necessary for the development of a management. existing adjustment measures strategically-oriented plan to cope with the increasing climate risks l Defining gaps in scientific bases expected over the coming decades. for adjustment measures Climate-induced expenditure directly impacts the budget in the form of increased spending, but also indirectly impacts the budget by means of a reduced tax base, for instance, as a consequence of increased repairs of damage from flooding. Andrea Gössinger-Wieser l Identifying affected areas Among other objectives, the (Climate Protection l Determining adjustment approach would have the task of Coordinator, Federal Land of measures missing for the demonstrating how the objectives Styria) – “Styrian Adjustment respective areas of the Sendai Framework can be Strategy 2050” realized at all administrative levels The climate change adjustment l Performing an expertise- and by means of preventive adjustment strategy of Styria was passed time span-related prioritization measures through 2030 and in October 2015. It contains 97 of the measures beyond. measures pertaining to settlement l Identifying responsibilities area; agriculture, forestry, and In order to improve private l Defining implementation of ecosystems; the economy; risk protection, it is essential to the measures for the period and health, social welfare, and customize information for different education, as well as security of between 2016 and 2020 types of private households. supply. Operational coordination of the strategy was carried out by The example of the Netherlands the climate protection coordinator could provide valuable lessons for supported by a core team coping with the aforementioned consisting of representatives of challenges. 30 Proceedings from UR Austria Resilience in Disaster Prepardness: Global Lessons Regular and consistent documentation of adjustment-related public expenditures is essential in order to enable forward planning in a process of iterative risk management. 31 32 Proceedings from UR Austria Necessity is the Mother of Invention—Innovations in Flood Risk Management Necessity is the Mother of Invention— Innovations in Flood Risk Management Chair Mag. Cornelia Jöbstl (riocom – Engineering Office for Environmental Engineering and Water Management) Presentations DI Hans Wiesenegger (State of Salzburg, Hydrographic Service) – “Learning from Damage – Lessons Learned as Foundation for New Avenues in Flood Risk Management” DI Albert Schwingshandl (riocom – Engineering Office for Environmental Engineering and Water Management) – “Innovative Software for Flood Modeling and Visualization” DI Gerald Loew (City of Vienna, Department Vienna Water Management (MA45)) and Mag. Dr. Philip Leopold (Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH) – “Viennese Danube Flood Protection and Dam Monitoring by means of GPR” Deputy Chief Fire Officer Ing. Heimo Krajnz (City of Graz, Department of Disaster Protection and Fire Brigade) – “Innovation in Flood Risk Management from the Perspective of the Fire Department, Towards Integrated Disaster Management” Statements Mag. Dr. Sebastian Seebauer (Wegener Center for Climate and Global Change, University of Graz) Thomas Ramminger (Münchener Rückversicherungs AG (Munich Reinsurance Company)) Thomas Hartinger, MSc (Rosenbauer International AG) Conceptualization of the Session DI Ines Fordinal, Mag. Cornelia Jöbstl, and DI Clemens Liehr 33 Necessity is the Mother of Invention—Innovations in Flood Risk Management Background/ Figure 1: Salzburg – flood event 2012 Picture: State of Salzburg, Department of Water Management Introduction: Austria: Flooding and Innovation Based on its geographical location in the Alpine arc, Austria has always been characterized by natural hazards such as rockfall, avalanches, mudslides, and flooding. Flooding ranks highest among natural hazards in terms of damage potential (e.g., damages amounted to €870 million in 20131). Ingenuity is key to enabling people to of emergency situations. Chance situation. However, they can develop strategies and tools to or curiosity also plays a vital role. prove to be beneficial and propel best handle constantly changing Innovations can also come about further developments in flood risk risks. A process of development when something is re-thought, management. One possible tool from invention to innovation is when something that already exists for identifying the requirements necessary in order to achieve is improved, or when something to develop innovative approaches far-reaching changes. Changes old is modernized by using new is an analysis of strengths and occur primarily when something technologies. Consequently, the weaknesses. The Salzach River, in appears to be both meaningful session focused on answering four the federal state of Salzburg, has and useful to the user and meets questions: been the scene of two historic social acceptance. The current flooding events (2002 and 2013) innovation process with regard to l Which innovations already exist in recent years. A strengths and flood risk management – shifting and which ones are currently weaknesses analysis was carried away from pure constructional emerging? out concerning the 2013 event safety measures towards viewing during an interdisciplinary workshop l Which areas require more the entire risk cycle – is one such in cooperation with the Salzburg innovation (precaution, example. This approach has already University. As a result, a variety protection, awareness, been reflected in the EU Floods of key factors were identified and preparation, aftercare)? Directive 2007/60/EG. Accordingly, lessons learned were produced for innovation is required in all fields l Which kind of innovation is future prioritization: of the flood risk cycle (precaution, required? protection, awareness, preparation, l What is required in order for l Communication: A clear and aftercare). innovation to be implemented communication structure into practice? and language comprehensible Key Challenges/ to all involved are necessary Questions (e.g., emergency response Learning from the organizations, media, general Despite the title of the session, Past public) innovations also occur outside Challenges and problems that l Residual risk: All possible and 1 Source: Federal Ministry of the Interior, arise in the course of flood events impossible scenarios should be www.bmi.gv.at are never enjoyable in a crisis taken into account 34 Proceedings from UR Austria Necessity is the Mother of Invention—Innovations in Flood Risk Management Figure 2: Donauinsel Vienna and leisure area, serving up to Picture: MA 45 – Vienna Water Management 15,000 daily visitors, represents a success story. Donauinsel has become an integral part of life for many Viennese. Thus, the project can serve as an example for similar solutions across Austria as well as worldwide. Use of Latest Technologies In addition to the Donauinsel, the Vienna flood protection system includes dams on the left and right bank along the Danube. Ensuring their proper function is a top priority. For this reason, the City of Vienna, the Austrian Institute of Technology, and the Central Figure 3: Dam monitoring with use of ground-penetrating radar Picture: AIT Institution for Meteorology and Geodynamics have developed a modern monitoring system employing ground-penetrating radar. With this system, it is possible to determine weak spots and alterations in the dams within a decimeter’s accuracy and to take appropriate measures. The system has been operating successfully since 2014. Forward-looking Developments With regard to flooding simulations, it was hitherto necessary to use l Praxis: Flood practice exercises can serve as examples to spur various software solutions for should be carried out regularly future developments. One example modeling, analysis, and visualization. is the Donauinsel (Danube Island) l Network: Local networks This was a time-consuming process in Vienna. The island (21.1 km in comprised of all stakeholders requiring specialist knowledge of length but only up to 250 m in should be established and each of the programs. In order breadth) and the New Danube flood maintained to address this challenge, a new relief channel were constructed software entitled Visdom (http:// Exemplary, Already- by the City of Vienna between visdom.at) is currently being implemented Solutions 1972 and 1989. Today, the system developed in Austria by VRVis provides flood protection for Innovative and bold projects that – Center for Virtual Reality and 600,000 inhabitants of Vienna. The have already proven to be well- Visualization – in cooperation combination of flood protection functioning solutions in practice with the Vienna University of 35 Necessity is the Mother of Invention—Innovations in Flood Risk Management Figure 4: Simulation and visualization of a flooding caused by overflowing of and shows immense potential as a mobile safety barriers with the use of the Visdom software visual decision support system in Picture: VRVis the field of flood management. Focus on the Human Being Human behavior in exceptional situations is increasingly serving as the basis of planning and decision- making in new prevention and coping strategies. Emergency response organizations, too, have been increasingly urged to implement these new approaches as part of integrated disaster management. In the city of Graz, strong emphasis is put on information for and support of the population. To this end, new tools Figure 5: Disaster protection app for the citizens of Graz Picture: Graz Fire Brigade and measures were developed, such as an emergency signal, a disaster protection app, and publicly accessible sandbag depositories in case of an emergency. In addition, close cooperation with citizens‘ initiatives was established in order to incorporate special needs of the population into the process as early the planning stages. Conclusion and View into the Future Based on these examples of innovation in the field of flood risk management, Austria is on a good track: successes like Donauinsel have already been achieved and further exciting innovations Technology (Institute of Hydraulic on vulnerability can be processed like Visdom are currently in the Engineering and Water Resources in risk analyses; the effectiveness development stages. However, Management), riocom Engineering of emergency procedures such given the challenges of climate Office, and the Cologne City as sand bags can be modeled change and changes in precipitation Drainage Operations. Visdom in the form of a time lapse; and patterns, or the increased risk combines modeling, analysis, and visualizations can be performed potential due to settlement visualization in one program. With in 3D. This innovative software is development, much still needs to this software, comprehensive data currently available as a prototype be done. In a constantly developing 36 Proceedings from UR Austria Necessity is the Mother of Invention—Innovations in Flood Risk Management society, the need for innovation will A relatively clear picture has In addressing the question “What is remain in any case. emerged in the process: while necessary in order for innovations innovation is often associated with to be implemented in practice?” Consequently, the question arises technological progress, in this case participants indicated: simplicity, “What should be prioritized for the necessity for innovation in the courage, and communication, the future?” Some initial ideas, social sphere is evident. Conference followed by information, knowledge, suggestions, and trends can be participants have indicated that and training. These key points can found in the points made by the future innovation emphasis serve as guidance as to what and speakers, as well as from a real- should be placed primarily on the how future measures should be time, online survey of the URAT areas of awareness-raising and taken in Austria. Listed below are all audience of Austrian experts in communication. answers and results of the survey the field of risk management. in detail. Figure 6: Audience opinion – Which fields of the risk cycle require the most innovation? Figure 7: Audience opinion – If you had €1 million at your disposal, what form of innovation would you invest in? 50% 40% 30% 46% 20% 35% 10% 10% 6% 4% 0% Construction Educational Software Organizational Other technology, building programs, solutions, modeling, processes, materials, structural consciousness, visualization, … administration, … systems, … communication, … 37 Necessity is the Mother of Invention—Innovations in Flood Risk Management Figure 8: Audience opinion – What is necessary in order for innovations to be implemented in practice? Table 1: Audience opinion summary – Innovations in flood risk management Question Answer Which fields of the risk cycle (precaution, protection, 45% of the respondents stated “awareness“ awareness, preparation and aftercare) require the most innovation? If you had €1 million at your disposal, what form of 46% of the respondents stated “educational, awareness- innovation would you invest in? raising and communication measures“ What is necessary in order for innovations to be “Simplicity“, “courage“ and “communication“ were the most implemented in practice? cited words Table 2: Speakers‘ answers to the question “What is your most important point?” Speaking a common language, which is understood by all! Staying in touch with the reality on the ground, looking at the users‘ needs while steadily and bravely heading in the direction of developed visions Political standpoints differ from those of the professionals in the field of flood safety. It is imperative to keep this very fact in mind when discussing flood safety. Operators and officials should have the courage to carry out innovations; there are many ideas, but little is implemented There should not only be criticism concerning everything, we are all in the same boat (population, experts…) No technical innovation without social innovation A proper package of measures, cost-benefit factor, accurate communications, also reaching beyond the coverage of the major events 38 Proceedings from UR Austria At the Edge: Looking Beyond Trauma and Resilience for Emerging Perspectives in Disaster Mental Health A relatively clear picture has emerged in the process: while innovation is often associated with technological progress, in this case the necessity for innovation in the social sphere is evident. 39 At the Edge 40 Proceedings from UR Austria Risk Management through Insurance Risk Management through Insurance Chairs Thomas Hlatky, VVO Franz Prettenthaler, Joanneum Research Background/ a comprehensive insurance solution, of consideration for natural Introduction no political will on this topic has hazards are floods, avalanches, developed. rockfall, storm, earthquakes etc., The session dealt with the task, parameters for the increase in function and role of the insurance safety is the material of choice industry, particularly in Austria, in Presentations (steel, concrete, brickwall, wood connection with risk management. etc.) and measures taken which Thomas Hlatky (VVO) – “Public It examined risk management as a consider different scenarios Private Partnership in the core competence of the insurance depending on location, exposure Insurance of Flood Risks: industry, highlighting the decade- and expected changes with climate Options for Reforms and long experience with handling risk. change. Lessons Learned” In addition, current developments in the field of risk communication, Johannes Hübl (BOKU), Hans Peter Hutter (Medical such as zoning instruments, or Susanne Tscharner (Boku) – University of Wien) – Medical preliminary work on individual “‘Understanding Risk’ as Basis risks of climate change responsibility in the field of natural for protecting buildings” From a medical standpoint it is disasters were presented with “Risk communication is any obvious that society has to cope the use of concrete examples. The purposeful exchange of information with a wide range of health effects/ insurance industry has a crucial about risks between interested threats affecting the population. role to play as a risk carrier, as well parties” (WHO 2001) is especially In consequence, the Austrian as a know-how provider for the meaningful when it comes to public health system is challenged Austrian society. the assessment of risks involved to prepare and implement climate with building in areas endangered change adaptation measures. by natural hazards. The lack Key Challenges/ of standardized information The answer to where and when Questions about the risks, but also also we might see which effects on The greatest challenge in the about the resilience of a building human health is complex. That is area of risk management through and its site lead in many cases because most health outcomes insurance is the unwillingness to asymmetric structures of are multicausal, various non- of public authorities to provide information when a building is put climate associated factors are also support for the development of an on the market, or objects are used changing over time, and climate ex-ante risk-transfer mechanism for a particular purpose with a change affects local environments for natural hazards. Despite the higher degree of vulnerability or differently, according to existence of finalized proposals for exposure. Suggested elements characteristics of local geography. Photo credit: Joaquin Toro 41 Risk Management through Insurance l “Insurance” alone will not succeed in developing a sustainable NatCat system l Many factors need to be addressed systematically, especially risk-based pricing and prevention measures, in order to keep premiums low over the long run l The lack of risk awareness among the public at large has to be addressed by all stakeholders l Government must restrict ex post subsidies if private insurance is in place l Private Insurance is severely hampered if governments open up the “horn of plenty” in the event of NatCat events For Austria, direct health effects term effects like posttraumatic heat related behavior) significant of climate change with a high stress syndromes, damage to more actions to rise awareness are prognostic certainty are seen infrastructure and buildings with needed. as the most pressing topics for impact on health, and migration adaptation measures. These which also should be in the focus of There is no doubt that adaptation effects include the acute impact of public health planning. measures are necessary and extreme temperatures, especially reasonable. However, adaptation is heat waves in urban areas, and As we see in several areas low no alternative to the reduction of heavy rainfalls with flooding, awareness in the population (e.g., greenhouse gases. mud flows and landslides. High trend to use of air condition during precipitation events can have long- heat waves instead of reasonable 42 Proceedings from UR Austria Risk Management through Insurance Rockfall Elevation A-A Floorplan ➀ rolling stone ➁ bouncing stone ➂ falling stone ➃ impact ➄ Stone lands inside ➅ To charge Source: Suda and Rudolf-Miklau Protection level A extremely high B very high C high D moderate E low F very low G none Franz Prettenthaler (Joanneum to risk management information that will be exacerbated by Research) – Flood Risk Pooling and data or the building of a NatCat migration movements associated in Europe disaster compensation scheme with climate change. Next steps together with the insurance sector are necessary on all points of the – a major goal for the years to come agenda for the Climate Change Conclusions in responding to a changing climate. adaptation strategy with a special Much positive development has focus on prevention and individual Climate change will affect medical taken place in Austria since the risk management. Personal and social risks in many ways; flooding of 2002. preparations have to be made responsibility and prevention will in advance, starting with raising become crucial for adaptation However, many risk management awareness. Climate change will rather than a reliance on public targets are still to be reached. This become a huge challenge for our services to provide post-disaster applies, for example, to free access existing social welfare system relief. 43 Proceedings from UR Austria Participants Alexander Almer, Peter Andrecs, Martin Angelmaier, Alexander Arpaci, Mathias Auer, Bamidele Rotimi Ayoniyi, Philipp Babcicky, Katarina Baničević, Thomas Bauer, Kathrin Baumann-Stanzer, Joanne Bayer, Kurt Bayer, Alexander Beck, Birgit Bednar-Friedl, Silvia Benda-Kahri, Gerald Benz, Romana Berariu, Heimo Berghold, Martin Bernhofer, Benedikt Bica, Julian Binder, Manfred Blaha, Alexandra Blaha, Wolfgang Blaschke, Doris Bleier, Michael Bobek, Ernst Böcskör, Raymond Bourdeaux, Andreas Brandl, Markus Brandmaier, Andreas Brandner, Doris Brandstätter, Franz Breitwieser, Martina Brix, Karl-Dieter Brückner, Michael Brugger, Renate Burger, Yakup Cevik, Wolfgang Claus, Gerald Czech, Doris Damyanovic, Paul Davies, Paul Dobesberger, Petra Dorrighi, Günter Eisenkölb, Daniela Engl, Reinhard Enzenebner, Rudolf Faber, Josef Fallinger, Daniel Faust, Ludwig Fegerl, Richard Feischl, Johannes Fischer, Nicolas Fischer, Ines Fordinal, Sven Fuchs, Moritz Fuchs, Gerald Führer, Bernhard Futter, Birgit Fykatas-Guth, Jan Gappmaier, Seena Garcia, Wolfgang Gasperl, Markus Gassner, Alexander Gasteiner, Thomas Geisler, Thomas Geist, Mechthild Geyer, Reinhard Gissing, Thomas Glade, Roland Glanner, Elmar Göbl, Reinhold Godina, Ivan Gojmerac, Andrea Gössinger-Wieser, Andreas Gottlieb, Alexandra Götz, Alexander Gratz, Elisabeth Gruber, Harald Gruber, Heidi Grüneis, Elisabeth Gurdet, Martin Gurdet, Cornelia Hackl, Reinhard Hagen, Kurt Hager, Stefan Haider, Markus Haidn, Michiko Hama, Martin Hanus, Thomas Hartinger, Franz Hauer, Manfred Hauswirth, Klaus Hebenstreit, Werner Heller, Klaus Hellwagner, Hannah Hennighausen, Manfred Henninger, Andreas Herndler, Mathew Herrnegger, Vincent Heß, Franz Higer, Gerald Hillinger, Philipp Hingerl, Patrick Hirsch, Alois Hirschmugl, Thomas Hlatky, Thomas Hofkirchner, Jürgen Högl, Günter Hohenberger, Philipp Hohenblum, Manfred Hohenbüchler, Peter Hollhut, Brigitta Hollosi, Markus Holub, Rudolf Hornich, Wolfgang Hübel, Thomas Huber, Johannes Hübl, Günter Humer, Hans Peter Hutter, Siegfried Jachs, Mirjana Jakopec, Oskar Januschke, Cornelia Jöbstl, Michael Jungwirth, Jacqueline Jürs, Silke Kainz, Peter Kaiser, Rainer Kaltenberger, Christoph Karner, Ursula Karnthaler, Wolfgang Kastel, Andreas Kimmersdorfer, Robert Kirnbauer, Teresa Klambauer, Jeannette Klonk, Norbert Knopf, Daniela Knorr, Karin Kobald, Gerhard Koch, Arben Kociu, Günter Köck, Helmut Kodydek, Andreas Koler, Raphael Koller, Harry Kopietz, Arno Kosmata, Hubert Köttritsch, Heimo Krajnz, Steven Krawietz, Stefan Kreuzer, Helmut Kreuzwirth, Barbara Kronberger-Kießwetter, Herbert Kupka, Christian Labut, Bernhard Lager, Bernhard Lager, Erich Lang, Diethard Leber, Markus Leitner, Wolfgang Lenhardt, Philip Leopold, Wolfgang Lexer, Clemens Liehr, Pedro Henrique Lima, Josef Lindner, Gerald Loew, Lukas Löschner, Franc Magnes, Gerhard Mannsberger, Petra Marktl, Christoph Matulla, Dieter Mayer, Sabine McCallum, Reinhard Mechler, Susanne Meissner-Dragosits, Ina Meyer, Oriol Molló Manonelles, Hans-Gerrit Möws, Berthold Müller, Cristina Müller, Gerhard Nagel, Juliane Nagiller, Georg Neubauer, Ortwin Neuschwander, Ralf Nordbeck, Peter Nutz, Stefan Obermaißer, Stefan Oberndorfer, Armin Oblin, Maria Papathoma-Köhle, Maria Patek, Hermann Pesendorfer, Christina Pilsl, Dominik Piringer, David Pirker, Matthäus Plaikner, Thomas Plattner, Cristina Pollaveri, Hans Possler, Christoph Prager, Franz Prettenthaler, Marina Przywecki, Christian Pyerin, Klaus Radunsky, Thomas Ramminger, Stefan Reisenhofer, Gerhard Reismüller, Martin Reisner, Thomas Reiter, Chris S. Renschler, Matthias Rieckh, Gerald Riedl, Monika Riegler, Andreas Riemer, Elmar Rizzoli, Josef Rohregger, Florian Rudolf-Miklau, Michael Sartori, Franz Sauer, Claudia Sauermoser, Christoph Schachenhofer, Andreas Schaffhauser, Robert Schatzl, Jürgen Scheiber, Brigitte Scheiber, Elisabeth Scheicher, Harald Schellander, Stefan Scheuringer, Thomas Schinko, Mario Schmied, Andreas Schober, Christine Schönberger, Stefan Schönhacker, Martin Schröttner, Chris Schubert, Christine Schuster, Helmut Schwetz, Albert Schwingshandl, Sebastian Seebauer, Norbert Sereinig, Manuel Sieber, Franz Sinabell, David Sislen, Markus Sommerauer, Angelika Spiegel, Sonja Spiegel, Yvonne Spira, Hans Starl, Michael Staudinger, Reinhold Steinacher, Harald Steindl, Alexander Steiner, Christian Steininger, Karl Steininger, Stephan Steller, Monika Stickler, Martin Stippel, Robert Stocker, Robert Stöffler, Michaela Stotz, Andreas Straka, Ilse Stubauer, Horst Teuschl, Joaquin Toro, Susanna Tscharner, Andreas Tschiltsch, Michalis Tzatzanis, Christian Unterberger, Wolfgang Wagner, Herwig Waidbacher, Harald Waiglein, Karin Weber, Karl Weber, Wolfgang Wechselberger, Rudolf Weissitsch, Barbara Weitgruber, Harald Weyermayr, Philipp Wiatschka, Koos Wieriks, Hans Wiesenegger, Martin Wieser, Doris Wimmer, Karl Wimmer, Bernd Winkler, Astrid Wolfram, Gerhard Wotawa, Jörg Würzelberger, Robert Zach, Gerhard Zach, Karin Zettelmann, Alexander Zinke, Georg Zukrigl 44 Thank YO