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Advances in Integrated Approaches for Disaster Science and Sustainable Development
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Advances in Integrated Approaches for Disaster Science and Sustainable Development

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Hazards and Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2022) | Viewed by 18792

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Xavier Romão

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4100 Porto, Portugal
Interests: risk management; multi-hazard risk; vulnerability assessment; disaster impact assessment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Carlotta Rodriquez

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
CIMA Research Foundation, Savona, Italy
Interests: social vulnerability; resilience; SDGs; capacity building; disaster management

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Research and practice have shown over the years that disasters and development exhibit strong interdependence. Disaster risk is a cross-cutting issue that influences multiple sectors, and disaster impacts are known to be amplified due to unsustainable development practices that increase exposure and vulnerability of communities, physical assets, and economies. This, coupled with the intensification of certain hazards dues to factors connected with climate change, creates the conditions for an unsustainable increase of disaster impacts that must be mitigated by research-driven efforts worldwide.

Although the case for a better integration between disaster risk management and sustainable development has been argued for some time, its successful implementation is still a challenge and calls for an increasing understanding of the root causes of risk. On the one hand, we see that inadequate disaster risk management influences our response and recovery from disasters, thus possibly reverting ongoing efforts to achieve multiple sustainable development targets. On the other hand, different management practices are seen to be rooted in the social, cultural, economic, and environmental characteristics of the country/community, which means that development itself influences policies and actions for risk reduction. Furthermore, issues related with the adequate consideration of scenarios involving cascading hazards (when one hazard triggers another hazard) or complex emergencies (when one hazard changes the conditions for the occurrence of another hazard at a later time) are becoming a new challenge, particularly given the current worldwide pandemic whose impacts interfere with our ability to respond to the simultaneous occurrence of other hazards, while securing sustainable development efforts. Enforcing enhanced disaster risk-informed sustainable development policies and practices is therefore seen to be fundamental and should be at the heart of the sustainable development agenda.

In light of these considerations, the objective of this Special Issue is to present original contributions discussing theoretical frameworks, methods, and case studies addressing the interrelations between the several disaster risk management stages and sustainable development across different sectors and different worldwide regions. Given the interdisciplinary nature of the different disaster risk management dimensions, and the cross-disciplinary nature of research addressing sustainable development, contributions from the social and the physical sciences, including environmental science, engineering, urban planning, public health, geography, sociology, and human ecology, among others, are welcomed.

Dr. Xavier Romão
Dr. Carlotta Rodriquez
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • disaster management
  • disaster risk
  • sustainable development
  • climate change
  • multihazard
  • complex emergencies
  • integrated methods
  • exposure
  • vulnerability
  • resilience
  • disaster recovery
  • policy

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 10756 KiB  
Article
Detection of Location from Kits Set Up by Vulnerable People during Earthquake Disasters with Communication Blackout: Study Using YOLOv5 Algorithm
by Yuma Morisaki, Makoto Fujiu, Taiki Suwa, Ryoichi Furuta and Junichi Takayama
Sustainability 2022, 14(21), 13895; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142113895 - 26 Oct 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1419
Abstract
When an earthquake occurs, the larger the scale of the disaster, the harder it is to support the victims’ needs. In fact, even the most meager support for victims has become quite difficult. Furthermore, it is also known that the greater the damage, [...] Read more.
When an earthquake occurs, the larger the scale of the disaster, the harder it is to support the victims’ needs. In fact, even the most meager support for victims has become quite difficult. Furthermore, it is also known that the greater the damage, the more difficult it becomes to use cell phones, applications, etc. The authors have developed multiple reflectors observable by synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) satellites and differing backscattering coefficients. Using them, we have proposed a method for ascertaining the location and needs of victims during a large-scale earthquake disaster. In this study, we developed an object detection model using YOLOv5 to detect the reflectors from within SAR images. In addition, we constructed a method for managing setup locations in GIS by conferring latitude and longitude information on reflectors obtained through YOLO v5. Through analysis, a model of the proposed reflector detection and identification of setup locations via GIS was developed in this study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Integrated Approaches for Disaster Science and Sustainable Development)
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29 pages, 2341 KiB  
Article
Identifying the Importance of Disaster Resilience Dimensions across Different Countries Using the Delphi Method
by Carlotta Rodriquez, José Manuel Mendes and Xavier Romão
Sustainability 2022, 14(15), 9162; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14159162 - 26 Jul 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3485
Abstract
The article proposes a framework establishing a disaster resilience index applicable worldwide that accounts for differences between countries in terms of development and in terms of the relevance of several resilience dimensions. To achieve this index, countries were clustered using an indicator that [...] Read more.
The article proposes a framework establishing a disaster resilience index applicable worldwide that accounts for differences between countries in terms of development and in terms of the relevance of several resilience dimensions. To achieve this index, countries were clustered using an indicator that reflected their performance according to the Sustainable Development Goals. For each cluster of countries, a Delphi process was used to obtain scores for every resilience dimension and sub-dimension that were then transformed into weights that varied from cluster to cluster to reflect differences in sustainable development. The article discusses the methodology that led to the quantification of the weights according to the Delphi process, as well as its results. The results highlighted the anticipated differences between different groups of countries, but also reflected cluster-specific features that should be accounted for when analyzing disaster resilience. The article also discusses different applications and possible improvements of the proposed framework based on comments collected during the Delphi process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Integrated Approaches for Disaster Science and Sustainable Development)
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22 pages, 4247 KiB  
Article
Enabling Knowledge through Structured Disaster Damage & Loss Data Management System
by Anna Faiella, Scira Menoni, Maria Pia Boni, Maria Panoutsopoulou, Thekla Thoma, Sandro Salari and Nicolas Rueda
Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 6187; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14106187 - 19 May 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2767
Abstract
Effective and efficient management of post-disaster damage and loss data is a key component of disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation policies to fulfil the requirements of the Sendai Framework, Sustainable Development Goals, and more recently, the European Climate Law. However, the [...] Read more.
Effective and efficient management of post-disaster damage and loss data is a key component of disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation policies to fulfil the requirements of the Sendai Framework, Sustainable Development Goals, and more recently, the European Climate Law. However, the reality of organized and structured damage and loss data collection is still in its infancy. In the era of rapid technological improvements, with overwhelming volumes and channels of data, we still record a lack of basic figures of disaster losses at the scale, granularity and level of detail needed for most applications. First, a theoretical overview of data science applied to disaster risk management and the description of collection procedures and use of damage data for buildings in the case of earthquakes for Italy and Greece are provided. Second, the Information System (IS) which is intended to enhance damage and loss data collection and management proposed by the LODE (Loss Data Enhancement for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation) project is illustrated. The IS is described in detail, starting from the stakeholder consultation to elicit the requirements, to the system’s architecture, design and implementation. The IS provides a comprehensive tool to input and query multisectoral post-disaster damage and loss data at relevant spatial and temporal scales. The part of the IS devoted to building damage is described in depth showing how obstacles and difficulties highlighted in the collection and use of data in the Greek and the Italian case have been approached and solved. Finally, further developments of the IS and its background philosophy are discussed, including the need for institutionalized damage data collection, engineering of the developed software and re-engineering of current damage and loss data practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Integrated Approaches for Disaster Science and Sustainable Development)
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19 pages, 4067 KiB  
Article
Understanding the Collaborative Process and Its Effects on Perceived Outcomes during Emergency Response in China: From Perspectives of Local Government Sectors
by Pan Tang, Shiqi Shao, Dapeng Zhou and Huihua Hu
Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7605; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13147605 - 7 Jul 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2695
Abstract
In contemporary China, the rapidly urbanized cities are exposed to a broad range of natural and human-made emergencies, such as COVID-19. Responding to emergencies successfully requires widespread participation of local government sectors that engages in diversified collaboration behaviors across organizational boundaries for achieving [...] Read more.
In contemporary China, the rapidly urbanized cities are exposed to a broad range of natural and human-made emergencies, such as COVID-19. Responding to emergencies successfully requires widespread participation of local government sectors that engages in diversified collaboration behaviors across organizational boundaries for achieving sustainability. However, the multi-organizational collaborative process is highly dynamic and complex, as well as its outcomes are uncertain underlying the emergency response network. Examining characteristics of the collaborative process and exploring how collaborative behaviors local governmental sectors engaging in the impact their perceived outcomes is essential to understand how disastrous situations are addressed by collaborative efforts in emergency management. This research investigates diversified collaborative behaviors in emergency response and then examines this using a multi-dimensional model consisting of joint decision making, joint implementation, compromised autonomy, resource sharing, and trust building. We surveyed 148 local governments and their affiliated sectors in China in-depth understanding how collaborative processes contribute to perceived outcomes from perspectives of participating sectors in the context of a centralized political-administrative system. A structural equation model (SEM) is employed to encode multiple dimensions of the collaborative process, perceived outcomes, as well as their relationships. The empirical finding indicates that joint decision making and implementation positively affect the perceived outcomes significantly. The empirical results indicate that joint decision making and joint implementation affect perceived outcomes significantly. Instead, resource sharing and trust building do not affect the outcomes positively as expected. Additionally, compromised autonomy negatively affects the collaborative outcomes. We also discuss the institutional advantages for achieving successful outcomes in emergency management in China by reducing the degree of compromised autonomy. Our findings provide insight that can improve efforts to build and maintain a collaborative process to respond to emergencies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Integrated Approaches for Disaster Science and Sustainable Development)
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26 pages, 3405 KiB  
Article
Methodology of Urban Safety and Security Assessment Based on the Overall Risk Management Perspective
by Guohua Chen, Qin Yang, Xuexi Chen, Kongxing Huang, Tao Zeng and Zhi Yuan
Sustainability 2021, 13(12), 6560; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13126560 - 8 Jun 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3137
Abstract
With the expansion of urbanization, the interaction between different hazards has become increasing evident. In order to promote sustainable development of urban areas, it is particularly important to systematically analyze and evaluate urban safety and security under the coupling effect of multi-hazard risks. [...] Read more.
With the expansion of urbanization, the interaction between different hazards has become increasing evident. In order to promote sustainable development of urban areas, it is particularly important to systematically analyze and evaluate urban safety and security under the coupling effect of multi-hazard risks. In response to the practical needs of urban safety and security assessment practice, this paper constructs an application-oriented urban safety and security quantitative assessment methodology. First, following the comprehensive risk management perspective, the logical relationship between urban safety and security elements is analyzed. It proposes “comprehensive screening, key analysis, and comprehensive evaluation” as a new assessment concept. Second, a system of urban safety and security assessment methods consisting of a weighting method and a function model is constructed. The function model includes two sub-models: a quantitative risk assessment model that considers triggering effects and a quantitative assessment model of emergency capacity that considers the evolution of emergencies. Finally, the method was applied to a coastal urban area in south China. The case study proved that the proposed method system can not only effectively evaluate various disaster risks and emergency capacity but also provide evidence for the formulation and implementation of urban safety and security management measures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Integrated Approaches for Disaster Science and Sustainable Development)
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26 pages, 7839 KiB  
Article
Pre-Positioning Facility Location and Resource Allocation in Humanitarian Relief Operations Considering Deprivation Costs
by Linlin Zhang and Na Cui
Sustainability 2021, 13(8), 4141; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084141 - 8 Apr 2021
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3700
Abstract
Alleviating human sufferings during and in the aftermath of disasters is one of the most important goals in humanitarian relief logistics. The lack of relief commodities, especially life-saving items, is a life-threatening loss to victims and must be considered when making emergency supply [...] Read more.
Alleviating human sufferings during and in the aftermath of disasters is one of the most important goals in humanitarian relief logistics. The lack of relief commodities, especially life-saving items, is a life-threatening loss to victims and must be considered when making emergency supply allocation and transportation decisions, even in the pre-disaster prepositioning phase. This paper proposes a scenario-based stochastic program that integrates the decisions of prepositioning facility locations, quantities of stocked emergency supplies, and service allocations in each scenario in the same modeling framework. The estimation of victims’ losses for waiting for emergency supplies is measured in the typical deprivation cost function and treated as one of the main bases of decision making, besides traditional transportation costs, in determining the service allocation strategies in each scenario. Specifically, a case study with data from the hurricane threat in the Gulf Coast area of the US was conducted to demonstrate the application of this model and the significance of considering victims’ welfare loss in humanitarian relief logistics. Some interesting managerial insights were also drawn from a series of numerical experiments and sensitivity analyses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Integrated Approaches for Disaster Science and Sustainable Development)
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