Case Studies based on our scenario

#Limited resources

This case study focuses on the case of community resilience in Calabria, Italy which regularly suffers from flash floods due to its topography, landslides are also a common event (Cools et al., 2011, p. 827, 828). Due to the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) community resilience is an important step for achieving risk reduction, as it helps prevent and mitigate impacts of hazards (Cools et al., 2011, p. 825).

To reach better awareness and preparedness, there are measures that can be taken such as short-term solutions like “[...] supply of sandbags, not storing valuables in the basement, knowing the emergency procedures [...]” (Cools et al., 2011, p. 826), as well as the suggestion to implement communication strategies and evacuation plans. Resilient communities can reduce harm and actual impacts, but this doesn’t prevent damage from occurring. Suggested investments include early warning systems and risk assessment (Cools et al., 2011, p. 826).

Existing flood risk management plans have reduced the risk, but couldn’t eliminate it (Cools et al., 2011, p. 829). The importance of early warning systems is emphasized in the case of Calabria, as well as the choice of communication tools which can be “several broadcast technologies (internet, mobile phone, telephone, newspaper, TV, radio, public broadcasts in the street) [...] training and education” (Cools et al., 2011, p. 830). The learning outcome is that resources and a legal framework should be provided to increase flood protection on a regional and national level. The local communities are experts on local knowledge and concerns. They are crucial for the preparation of solid flood risk management and handling major emergencies. Another important aspect is communication which must be adapted to the context and audience. (Cools et al., 2011, p. 830)

#DIY-urbanism

Udelsmann’s case study analyzes the effectiveness of DIY strategies in Luanda and Maputo to tackle climate change challenges. These cities are known for informal settlements and inadequate infrastructure, making DIY urbanism a viable option for residents to address climate change-related issues such as flooding, water scarcity, and lack of green spaces. By working together and using locally available resources, residents can create more resilient and sustainable communities.

In Angola and Mozambique one of the main obstacles is the lack of knowledge, data and detailed information regarding climate-related hazards in cities (Udelsmann, 2019, p. 321). DIY-urbanism refers to temporary, smaller and low-budget interventions made of reused materials. They are created in urban public spaces by small groups of people or individuals challenging traditional urban planning and benefiting the public. The interventions raise awareness among higher stakeholders to implement permanent solutions. (Udelsmann, 2019, p. 325)

Nowadays, in the face of potential flooding, sandbags are usually available, construction materials are resistant to water, new houses are located on higher ground, especially the entrances to houses are above street level and it became rare to build houses of wood. Furthermore “building protections, drainage ditches and outlets, securing roofs with stronger fixes and heavy weights.” (Udelsmann, 2019, p. 326) got to be part of solutions to deal with flooding.

In communities the main focus is for instance digging ditches, maintaining and improving streets. In some neighborhoods the staff has been trained and equipped with shovels, hose and rubber boots in case of flooding (Udelsmann, 2019, p. 329).

Experience has shown that over time residents develop long-term solutions, especially in the form of informal constructions like it is the case with DIY-urbanism. A combination of improved documentation and communication with informal interventions is necessary to achieve change and improvement (Udelsmann, 2019, p. 329).

#Quick Clay

Quick clay is a geological phenomena primarily occurring in Norway and Sweden.

High levels of precipitation affect the salt levels which can liquefy and collapse due to overload. Hence the erosion capacity of rivers and streams is increased and can lead to landslides. The secondlargest landslide in Norway’s history occurred in Gjerdrum in 2020. Even though more than 1000 people were evacuated, the landslide took several houses away as well as the lives of 11 people. (Nikel, 2021)

The Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB) is already aware of the risk and keeps an eye on endangered and highly populated zones, such as Bakklandet. It is very unlikely that a landslide in Bakklandet would happen, but if it does, without preparedness, it would be very disastrous. Nationwide the probability of such a quick clay landslide in a city is considered to be at 35% in the next 100 years. NVE is also aware of the hazard and keeps track of changes in quick clay areas. Existing rules regulate the construction work in hazard areas and it is recommended to secure existing buildings and improve monitoring of erosion and terrain changes. (Nikel, 2021, 2022).