Addressing multi-hazard risks related to climate change
In the last two decades alone, climate-related disasters have almost doubled around the world. Such catastrophes are predicted to grow more intense and frequent as our weather systems are transformed. A key concern is that impacts from disasters, ranging from forest fires to landslides, may overlap and present heightened dangers. The HuT(opens in new window), an EU-funded project, set out to develop solutions to help us to better prepare for climate-related disasters. The aim of the project was to create a set of risk management tools and solutions that draw on these experiences, to be used across Europe in as many situations as possible. “Multi-hazard risk scenarios must be addressed considering the interaction among the different hazards,” explains project coordinator Michele Calvello(opens in new window) from the University of Salerno in Italy. “On top of that, the transdisciplinary approach we are pursuing in The HuT project is also an attempt to overcome the domain-specific ‘silos’ within which many researchers too often operate.”
Demonstrators for climate-related disaster assessments
The team developed 10 demonstrators (DEMs) to assess the potential for multi-hazard disasters associated with climate extremes. These were designed to incorporate views and experiences from a range of scientific and technical fields, as well as from policymakers and local communities. “The DEMs are to be considered test areas within which different project activities are conducted,” says Calvello. Some DEMs focused on modelling, for example in forecasting droughts and heatwaves in Valencia, Spain. In Italy’s Lattari mountains, another tested a network of low-cost sensors to monitor variables related to climate- and weather-driven phenomena. Others focused on the active engagement of stakeholders, including assessing the social tolerance to heavy rains in Vilnius, Lithuania. DEMs also developed science-art narratives, with two public exhibitions held in Spain and Germany(opens in new window) in 2025. Others explored the role of early warning systems for natural disasters and supported the development of innovative governance and policy measures.
Disaster risk awareness through art, science and games
The team highlights several key outcomes from the project, including a series of cultural explorations of natural hazards from science-art(opens in new window) fusion activities(opens in new window) to theatre performances(opens in new window). The project also created decision support systems(opens in new window) for municipalities across Europe, to help authorities and the general population prepare for climate-induced risks. “This includes knowledge transfer for better risk awareness, innovative monitoring and modelling activities and local data portals to share information,” notes Calvello. The HuT researchers also developed a serious board game – Safe Haven(opens in new window) – with the aim of enhancing risk awareness. Players take on the role of municipal decision makers to help the mayor manage risks related to natural disasters caused by climate and weather, with available financial resources.
Helping Europe prepare for natural disasters
The team is currently creating three policy briefs. These are focused on integrating warnings within society, enabling nature-based solutions and scaling up disaster risk reduction solutions. “A legacy advisory panel comprising representatives of internationally recognised networks is already expanding the boundaries of the consortium,” adds Calvello. “Hopefully, it will help ensure the legacy of the project’s innovations.”