Catherine Morgan Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk management network The need for those us involved in Flood Risk Management research to engage with the public has never been more apparent. I live and work in Hull, a city that lies on the banks of the Humber Estuary and therefore, at risk of tidal flooding. However, it is difficult to communicate that risk to the public, more so than other forms of flooding, even despite the devastation caused around the Humber by a tidal storm surge in December 5th 2013. It is even more difficult to communicate the research, strategies and policies that are developed to mitigate that risk and this creates a perception among the public that no one is doing anything about it.
While the perception may be misinformed, it is not just the public who fail to appreciate this. Earlier this year, a senior member of the Policy team at the Town and Country Planning Association questioned whether Hull would still exist in 2100, and he asserted that nationwide only one or two people were investigating this – a stark contrast to the 100 or more delegates at the Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Annual Assembly working on Flood Risk management policy, planning or research!
In November, the National Trust released their report – Shifting Shores – and stated that independent evidence showed “we are ignoring the known risks of flood and erosion at the coast”, although this was largely in relation to the location of new builds. I believe both examples are well meaning, are intended to provoke discussion and action on an issue that clearly needs both. However, despite the notable trustworthiness of both of these organisations, and the great work to raise awareness of these issues, there is an element of alarmism to the information they are communicating to the public. This, alongside articles in mainstream media, is largely how the general public are receiving information about Flood Risk Management Practices in the UK. Unless we as researchers and practitioners begin to seriously consider how we can best get our message out there, this is the information the public will receive – and believe. To read more go to:
http://www.fcerm.net/blog/communicating-flood-risk-connecting-people?utm_source=hootsuite
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