In:
Current Environmental Engineering, Bentham Science Publishers Ltd., Vol. 6, No. 1 ( 2019-03-27), p. 74-94
Abstract:
Background: Multi-hazard risk assessment has long been centered on small scale
needs, whereby a single community or group of communities’ exposures are assessed to determine potential mitigation strategies. While this approach has advanced the understanding
of hazard interactions, it is limiting on larger scales or when significantly different hazard types are present. In order to address some of these issues, an approach is developed
where multiple hazards coalesce with losses into an index representing the risk landscape. Methods: Exposures are assessed as a proportion of land-area, allowing for multiple hazards
to be combined in a single calculation. Risk calculations are weighted by land-use types (built, dual-benefit, natural) in each county. This allows for a more detailed analysis of land
impacts and removes some of the bias introduced by monetary losses in heavily urbanized counties. Results: The results of the quantitative analysis show a landscape where the risk to natural
systems is high and the western United States is exposed to a bulk of the risk. Land-use and temporal profiles exemplify a dynamic risk-scape. Conclusion: The calculation of risk is meant to inform community decisions based on the
unique set of hazards in that area over time.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
2212-7178
DOI:
10.2174/2212717806666190204103455
Language:
English
Publisher:
Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
Publication Date:
2019
