2024-11-01 07:32:00
Destroys by DANA
The DANA or cold drop that occurred in the province of Valencia is labeled as “the worst of the century” due to the material and human losses it is causing, including more than 90 dead and dozens missing. This type of distinction deepens the public perception that exists regarding these phenomena, often referred to as “natural disasters”. But how much “disaster” and “natural” is there in reality in what is happening in Valencia?
The importance of terminology
To talk about a disaster it is necessary that there is an interaction between a natural event or danger (the DANA) and a vulnerable social group (the Valencian population). Danger and vulnerability are the two components of risk, so the former can evolve into a disaster thanks to the existence of the latter. In this way the disaster can be defined as a social construction of risk.
From the above it follows that, contrary to the association usually made in public discourse, a disaster is not an inevitable fatality to which there is no other response than regret. It is not something that can be attributed to climate change as a foreign entity that humans have nothing to do with. Climate change is causing a acceleration of the water cyclewhich in turn causes more violent rainfall events (natural hazard). But again, this does not lead to disasters.
Changing the conversation is essential and has implications on two levels. First, it can help better understand the human contribution to the existence of disasters. Secondly, it allows us to propose measures to address climate dangers such as cold weather.
These measures can be structural and non-structuralwhich will depend on whether or not they involve physical actions. In any case, both levels are related to each other. Even with the sustainability of humanity in the future, while our socioeconomic development has not been harmonized with environmental protection.
Water-sensitive human development
The European Union Climate Adaptation Platform (Climate-ADAPT) imported the concept of water-sensitive urban design (WSUD, for its acronym in English). This term was coined in Australia to minimize the impacts of urban development on water resources.
The emergence of this concept and other similar ones has its origins in the phenomena of urbanization and urban expansion that the planet has experienced
Given the level of development currently achieved and that expected for the future, the focus must be on regeneration through renaturalization mechanisms. The concept of water-sensitive urban design can be extrapolated to land-use planning in general design public space that respects the natural water cycle can help prevent and mitigate the impacts of climate events.
Strategic implementation of nature-based solutions can generate green and blue infrastructure networks with multiple associated environmental values, including improved stormwater management. Specifically, green infrastructure allows precipitation to be captured at the source (i.e. where the rain falls) and subsequently filtered into the ground. In this way, the generation and accumulation of runoff (surface water that does not infiltrate into the soil) is avoided.
Public education and awareness
The adoption of measures such as those described above requires alignment between territorial public policies and the management of water resources, which is not a trivial issue. Once again, taking responsibility in this escalation from danger to disaster is essential in order not to undermine the public will to respond to the existence of environmental phenomena.
Therefore, despite the potential of structural solutions, the priority must always be the promotion of non-structural measures such as awareness-raising and education. These measures must be based on participatory processes involving different social groups, as well as different demographic profiles Vulnerability increases depending on factors such as gender, age and nationality, among others..
Understanding how to prepare for and act in the face of climate events is essential to prevent them from turning into disasters. To acquire this knowledge, the first step is to recognize the risk components and their relationship with the specific environment in which individuals find themselves. In this way, it is possible to develop actions such as creating safe meeting points and designing emergency plans to mitigate impacts.
Furthermore, Communication also presents itself as another essential element for the management of climate and environmental events.. On the one hand, administrations must offer advance information about the occurrence of this type of phenomenon, also providing recommendations and action protocols. On the other hand, citizen association within communities can also strengthen responsiveness and social cohesion in the face of negative impacts.
know yourself, you need not fear the outcome of a hundred battles. If you know yourself, but not the enemy, for every victory you gain you will also suffer a defeat. If you know nothing about the enemy or yourself, you will succumb in every battle.
Interview Between Time.News Editor and Dr. María González, Climate Risk Expert
Time.News Editor: Good morning, Dr. González, and thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent devastating DANA event in Valencia, which has sadly claimed many lives and caused significant destruction. Your expertise in climate risk and disaster management is essential for understanding the implications of such phenomena.
Dr. María González: Good morning! Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss this important issue.
Editor: To start off, this DANA event has been labeled as “the worst of the century.” Many people perceive natural disasters as inevitable events, but your article suggests a deeper understanding. Could you elaborate on that?
Dr. González: Absolutely. While the term “natural disaster” often leads to a perception that these catastrophic events are beyond human control, it’s crucial to recognize that the actual disasters result from the interaction between natural hazards and vulnerable human populations. In Valencia, for instance, the presence of vulnerable communities exacerbated the effects of the DANA, transforming it from a weather event into a disaster.
Editor: So, you’re saying that vulnerability plays a pivotal role in determining whether an event is classified as a disaster?
Dr. González: Exactly. Risk is composed of two elements: natural hazard and social vulnerability. Simply put, a severe weather event like DANA may occur, but if the affected population is well-prepared and resilient, the consequences can be significantly mitigated. It’s less about the nature of the hazard itself and more about how communities are equipped to handle it.
Editor: That’s a fascinating perspective. The article also discusses climate change and its influence on weather patterns. How do you see this affecting the frequency and intensity of such events?
Dr. González: Climate change is indeed influencing the water cycle, leading to more severe and unpredictable weather patterns. However, rather than attributing disasters solely to climate change, we should focus on improving our preparedness and resilience. As the environment changes, we need to adapt our urban designs and infrastructure to minimize risks.
Editor: Speaking of urban design, you mentioned “water-sensitive urban design” as a possible solution. Can you explain its benefits?
Dr. González: Certainly! Water-sensitive urban design, or WSUD, aims to integrate the management of the urban water cycle with the design of urban spaces. This approach minimizes the impact of urban development on water resources, helping cities manage stormwater more effectively. Strategies can include green roofs, permeable pavements, and better public green spaces, which all facilitate the absorption and natural filtration of rainwater, reducing runoff and potential flooding.
Editor: It sounds like a holistic approach is necessary. Still, implementing these measures can be challenging. You emphasized the importance of public education and awareness. Why is that so crucial?
Dr. González: Public awareness is vital because it empowers communities to take charge in the face of climate threats. When people understand the risks and learn about proactive measures, they become more engaged in disaster preparedness. Moreover, education around vulnerability—considering factors like age, gender, and socioeconomic status—ensures that specific needs are met, fostering a more inclusive and resilient community response.
Editor: Given these insights, what key steps would you recommend to policymakers in light of this current disaster in Valencia?
Dr. González: Policymakers need to prioritize integrating environmental considerations into land-use planning. This includes promoting nature-based solutions and investing in both structural and non-structural measures that enhance community resilience. Additionally, fostering participatory processes in decision-making can ensure that various societal groups are considered in disaster preparedness strategies.
Editor: Those are actionable steps, and I hope policymakers take them to heart. As we conclude, what message would you like to leave with our readers regarding the human-nature relationship in the context of climate and disaster?
Dr. González: My message is clear: Disasters are not inevitable. They are largely shaped by human decisions, vulnerabilities, and preparations. By reshaping our urban environments and fostering a culture of awareness and resilience, we can significantly reduce the impact of future climate events. We have the power to change the narrative from one of disaster to one of preparedness and sustainability.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. González, for sharing your invaluable insights. It’s clear that understanding and addressing the social dimensions of these “natural disasters” is essential for building a more resilient future.
Dr. González: Thank you for the opportunity! Let’s hope we can foster a collective commitment to protective and proactive measures.