INNIG - Integrated flood risk management in an individualised society | Umweltbundesamt

Assumptions for rising sea levels and runoffs for the river weser will be studied (see also KLIMU and KRIM projects)

The climate effects studied are the increase in the probability of failure of coastal protection facilities and the associated risk in the areas flooded after a dyke breach. In addition, the effects of a combination of storm flood and high inland water flow on water levels in the Bremen city area will be studied.

The social vulnerability of different social groups is analysed, particularly in German cities, taking account of social change. A comparison of the social perception of flood risks resulting from different risk communication activities and an analysis of the discussions in the political/administrative system for dealing with climate change and floods will also be carried out.

Adaptation capacity: Analysis of the political/administrative management options for coastal protection and disaster prevention, and the technical risk management options, including cost/benefit considerations.

Adaptation is today necessary, as current extreme events (storm floods and extreme inland water flows) also represent flood hazards and determine the resulting flood risks.

The options for changed technical risk management, improved risk communication, integrated flood risk management and an increased willingness to take individual disaster precautions are the adaptation measures studied.

In particular, a prototype for a flood information platform will be developed, which will be accessible to the public and is intended to contribute to supplementing and extending the range of public information on the risks and protection options in Bremen. The interactive platform can be accessed from the project website and contains comprehensive information about:

•  Coastal protection constructions, dykes and flood barriers in Bremen,
•  Organisation of coastal protection and responsibilities, and
•  General water and flood conditions in the city of Bremen.

In addition, users can determine the height above sea level of their own home and view potential flood risks in the form of overview maps, taking into account the effects of climate change. If this is too much, the information platform can prepare and display tailored information if the user completes a short questionnaire. Recommendations on how the citizens of Bremen should behave in case of a flood disaster and how potential damage can be prevented using simple measures round off the information available on the site.

Risk communication treads a fine line between causing uncertainty or panic and reassurance or trivialisation. Therefore, the development of appropriate communication strategies is essential to avoid conflicts and utilise opportunities.