Advancing disaster risk communications
by RSS Media Centre
11th Jan 2024
Abstract
Effective communication of disaster threats to decision makers and at-risk communities is a growing challenge in a people-centred approach to disaster risk reduction. Traditional communication approaches tend to involve either top-down risk management practices or bottom-up community health and education practices. But an alternative blended approach emerges from the academic realm of science communication.
In practical terms, the science communication lens focuses attention on a trio of practices for DRR: one-way dissemination of risk information to a broad public; two-way dialogues that identify, engage and consult with specific stakeholders in the risk management process; and three-way participation initiatives that enable informed conversations between communities and decision makers and within communities themselves, to motivate action. The strategic intent of communications – whether that be promotion, persuasion or partnership – ought to be guided by a ‘theory of change’ that delivers clear and coherent DRR goals and by training programmes that recognise the need to integrate a variety of interventions from across the communication continuum.
Citation
Advancing disaster risk communications. I. S. Stewart, Earth Sci. Rev., 2024, 249, 104677.
The Royal Scientific Society (RSS) is an independent non-governmental, not-for-profit multidisciplinary science institution established by Royal Charter. Founded in 1970 as a national organisation to actively advise and support the development of Jordan with sound technical and policy advice, and consultations. The RSS undertakes specialised and accredited testing, research work with local industries and universities, consultations for the private and public sectors, and works in partnership with regional and international organisations. Since its inception as a national and independent organisation, the prime objectives of the RSS have been to protect human health and safety, to safeguard the environment, and to contribute to sustainable economic development.