Researcher introduces an innovative model for risk studies that incorporates interactions and integrates various disciplines.
LMU researcher introduces an innovative model for risk studies that factors in interactions and integrates multiple disciplines.
We are facing numerous crises, such as climate disasters, pandemics, species extinction, and violent conflicts. Scholars and policymakers globally are striving to find effective ways to tackle these interconnected issues, which is a challenging task. “Systemic risks increasingly overlap in the Anthropocene, which is characterized by significant human influence,” states Dr. Alexandre Pereira Santos from LMU’s Department of Geography in the Human-Environment Relations research and teaching unit. “These risks lead to damages and losses that can be exacerbated when different hazards interact and amplify their effects.” A clear example of this is seen during the Covid-19 pandemic, which not only affected health but also forced many individuals into poverty. However, the complexity of these interactions is often only partially understood. The scientific community faces difficulties in merging different levels of analysis, diverse disciplinary views, and various sectors in society.
In a recent publication in the journal One Earth, Pereira Santos, along with colleagues from Universität Hamburg and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, introduces a fresh method for navigating this complexity. Their aim was to consider and unify various components. “Our innovative concept applies established analytical techniques from climate and social sciences and integrates them through a translator,” explains Pereira Santos. This translator connects differing viewpoints, various spatial and temporal scales, and social sectors, providing a more detailed depiction of health and climate crises. Importantly, it maintains the complexity and variety of evidence to foster more inclusive and context-aware adaptation policies.
“Prior to our method, researchers often found themselves needing to select specific aspects to avoid being overwhelmed by information. Alternatively, they would conduct broad analyses of multiple risks, regions, or societal sectors, which led to the loss of important details,” elaborates the geographer. These lost elements include the interplay between risks, unique social situations, economic impacts, and the varying levels of risk faced by different groups of people.
The authors observe that traditional risk research often suffers from a narrow disciplinary focus and single-sector or scale analyses, which skews policy recommendations and can produce biased, ineffective, and unjust outcomes. They advocate for moving beyond these limitations to systematically address the intricate nature of various risks without sacrificing the thoroughness and depth of analysis. “Our translator model consolidates multiple sources of evidence into a coherent whole,” summarizes Pereira Santos. “The framework we propose offers a comprehensive and detailed (that is, integrated and diverse) characterization of risk factors to enhance research and policymaking with systematic and context-aware evidence.”
