Study notes on Framing professional climate risk knowledge: Extreme weather events as drivers of adaptation innovation in Copenhagen, Denmark

Contents lists

  • Available at ScienceDirect Environmental Science and Policy journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/envsci

Article Overview

  • Title: Framing professional climate risk knowledge: Extreme weather events as drivers of adaptation innovation in Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Authors: Herle Mo Madsen, Peter Steen Mikkelsen, Anders Blok
  • Affiliations:
    • Department of Environmental Engineering (DTU Environment), Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
    • Department of Sociology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark

Keywords

  • Climate change adaptation
  • Coastal flooding
  • Innovation
  • Pluvial flooding
  • Risk framing
  • Risk perception

Abstract

  • Main Focus: Investigates how recent extreme weather events in Copenhagen have spurred innovation processes in climate adaptation pathways.
  • Key Argument: Professional risk framing is essential for understanding urban innovation processes as it influences public risk perceptions and collaborative learning amongst professionals.
  • Methodology: Analysis based on 32 semi-structured interviews with professionals in urban climate adaptation.
  • Findings:
    • Distinction in knowledge and innovation pathways for pluvial (actualized event) versus coastal flooding (near miss).
    • Increased awareness and willingness to innovate in relation to pluvial flooding events; less urgency and fewer innovations associated with coastal flooding.

1. Introduction: Urban Professionals and Extreme Weather Events

  • Copenhagen's June 2011 Event:
    • Extreme rain exceeding a 2000-year return period led to severe pluvial flooding.
    • Damage estimate over 800 million EUR; substantial public outcry for action.
  • City Council Climate Plans (2011):
    • A climate change adaptation plan was submitted prior to the event.
    • Subsequent plans include Cloudburst Management Plan (2012) and Climate Change Adaptation Report (2015).
  • Comparison:
    • Coastal flooding remains a low-priority topic as recent events have caused no significant damage.
    • Increased funding and political will following pluvial flooding events contrasted with the perception of coastal flooding as distant.

2. Professional Risk Perception and Urban Knowledge System Innovation

2.1. Professional Risk Framing: Regulative vs. Expanded

  • Risk Perception Studies: Interdisciplinary; includes psychological perspectives like risk heuristics and sociological views focusing on institutional variations.
  • Professional Role:
    • Professionals assess risks, evaluate costs/benefits, and frame public discourse on climate adaptation.
    • Importance of citizen perception and political factors influences professionals' work.
  • Regulative Framing:
    • Focuses on compliance with official risk assessments
  • Expanded Institutional Framing:
    • Incorporates external perceptions and stakeholder knowledge.

2.2. Innovation and Urban Knowledge Systems

  • Definition: Urban knowledge systems link networks of epistemic factors within governance settings for climate adaptation.
  • Innovation Systems:
    • Defined as networks focused on co-producing solutions to urban climate adaptation issues.
    • Regulative, normative, and cognitive institutions influence professionals' decisions and framing.
  • Cognitive Institutions and Technological Paradigms:
    • Major trends in problem-solving that guide innovation efforts among professionals.

3. Methods and Data

  • Qualitative Research Design: 32 in-depth interviews conducted from September 2015 to February 2017.
  • Selection of Participants: Focus on professionals with innovation capabilities from various sectors: municipalities, utilities, consultancy, and NGOs.
  • Data Analysis Approach: Coding scheme was inductively developed and refined during data collection.

4. Case Context: Climate Risk Management in Copenhagen

4.1. Governance of Climate Change Adaptation in Denmark

  • Responsibilities: Municipalities handle planning for pluvial and coastal floods, utility companies manage underground operations.
  • Private Citizens’ Role: Responsible for property-level risk management.

4.2. Actualized Flooding Events in Copenhagen

  • Urban Area Stats: Copenhagen, 1.3 million people, vulnerable to both flooding types.
  • Rain Event Data: Extreme rain recorded (July 2, 2011); surge events near misses (Bodil storm, December 2013).

4.3. Official Flood Risk Assessments in Copenhagen

  • Pluvial Flooding: Classified as “high risk” with a Climate Adaptation Plan emphasizing immediate actions and funding.
  • Coastal Flooding: Previously deemed low-priority, now reallocating attention towards impending risks.

5. Analysis: Climate Risk and Urban Technological Trajectories

5.1. Adaptation Planning for Pluvial Flooding

  • Impact of Events: The 2011 event raised public engagement and funding for adaptation measures.
  • Public Interest: Increased inquiries regarding personal property resilience; funding escalated significantly.

5.2. Knowledge System Innovation: Settling the Solution Span

  • Shifts in Technology Paradigms: Adoption of integrated surface and underground solutions for managing storms.
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis: Used to justify adaptations; urban professionals now reference functionality over solely underground solutions.

5.3. Adaptation Planning for Coastal Flooding

  • Perceptions of Risk: Bodil's near miss prompted reflections on vulnerability despite absence of actual damage.
  • Pending Solutions: Varied options exist; lack of urgency impedes cohesive plans.

6. Discussion: Linking Extreme Events to Urban Knowledge System Innovation

6.1. Extreme Events and Professional Frames

  • Influence of Experience: Localized flooding events crucial in elevating public consciousness and altering political funding responses.

6.2. Technological Development Impact from Risk Perception

  • Path Development: Pluvial events encourage immediate focus and action from professionals, while coastal flooding lacks momentum.

7. Conclusion

  • Innovation from Extreme Events: Highlighted increased adaptation and knowledge developments post-2011 flooding.
  • Reinforced Risk Perceptions: Essential for provoking action across all sector participants in urban climate adaptation.