Search results

1 – 10 of over 5000
Article
Publication date: 30 September 2013

Yamuna Kaluarachchi

The purpose this paper is to examine how aware and prepared the elderly and a number of related housing associations (HAs) are of extreme weather events and the impact on their…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose this paper is to examine how aware and prepared the elderly and a number of related housing associations (HAs) are of extreme weather events and the impact on their built assets as a result of climate change. It investigates how extreme weather and associated risks are perceived and the measures taken to protect the assets.

Design/methodology/approach

Desk research and two questionnaire surveys were conducted to collect data and information in relation to the awareness of extreme weather events and how built assets are adapted as a response. Survey results were tabulated and analysed using qualitative coding techniques and examined to identify relationships and patterns across different criteria in relation to awareness and built form adaptation to extreme weather events.

Findings

The surveys illustrate that awareness is high but the actions carried out as adaptations do not significantly reduce risks. Lack of personalisation of the risk and the resulting avoidance behaviour seems to prevent any considerable actions being taken. Thus, the elderly seem to accept basic energy saving measures as extreme weather adaptations rather than seek substantial actions that minimise risk to their houses. The results highlight the need to identify different design, construction and management solutions to improve resilience of different dwelling types to different economic sectors and different community groups.

Research limitations/implications

The HA survey sample is too small to derive general conclusions but illustrates the varying positions of different organisations. Future research will further the survey with a larger sample and extend to local authorities (LAs).

Practical implications

The findings provide valuable information and insights to all related stakeholders in formulating programmes in securing built assets in extreme weather events.

Social implications

Provide an understanding of the awareness and the preparedness of a vulnerable group, the elderly, and their dwellings to extreme weather events.

Originality/value

While the government hold consultations and dissemination events at national and regional levels, individual community groups and local agencies who are directly involved in providing services are not yet engaged in this dialogue. These two surveys made an attempt to gauge the awareness and the preparedness of the respondents of two such segments, in adapting their homes and built assets as a response to extreme weather associated risks.

Details

International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, vol. 4 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-5908

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 2016

Kendra Abkowitz Brooks and James Clarke

The purpose of this paper is to describe a risk-based methodology developed to identify the severity of impacts to various types of infrastructure located within the Tennessee…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a risk-based methodology developed to identify the severity of impacts to various types of infrastructure located within the Tennessee State Park system when exposed to extreme weather events. Infrastructure systems, composed of various assets, are central to the economic, environmental and cultural functioning of the society. Understanding the potential impacts to these assets from various threats is fundamental to prudent strategic, operational and financial decision-making. Among infrastructure, systems of interest are those managed and operated by park services. Such systems are particularly exposed to extreme weather, given the recreational activities that they provide.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes a risk-based methodology developed to identify the severity of impacts to various types of infrastructure located within the Tennessee State Park system when exposed to extreme weather events. It consists of the following steps: identifying extreme weather event types experienced in Tennessee; assessing damage to various types of park system infrastructure caused by these events; and deriving an overall impact score associated with specific types of park system infrastructure when exposed to certain types of extreme weather scenarios.

Findings

In applying this methodology, tornadic events were found to be most impactful, whereas drought and heat events had the least effect on park infrastructure. Dining and lodging infrastructure were found to incur the most damage, regardless of the weather event type.

Originality/value

The approach as described in this paper is transferable to other park systems as well as public sector assets in general.

Article
Publication date: 20 February 2009

Jane Carthey, Venny Chandra and Martin Loosemore

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the current state of FM preparedness required to deal with the risks to healthcare delivery posed by climate change‐related extreme weather

1431

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the current state of FM preparedness required to deal with the risks to healthcare delivery posed by climate change‐related extreme weather events.

Design/methodology/approach

Selected stakeholders were invited to participate in targeted focus groups that, using the ROMS methodology, explored the status of current knowledge and preparedness of the NSW health system to deal with the expected demands imposed by increasing incidences of extreme weather events. Findings are summarised and discussed in terms of the key stakeholder objectives identified. Further areas of required research are then discussed.

Findings

The key objectives of the stakeholders were readily agreed, however a lack of information regarding the quantifiable impacts forecast to be associated with climate change constrained the development of other than generic strategies for dealing with these impacts. Further areas of research included assessment of changing demand for health services, likely physical impacts on facilities and their adequacy in coping with these, implementation strategies for augmenting coping capacity and associated costs, plus the need for integrating disaster planning and management strategies to ensure the continuity of operation of health facilities during extreme weather events.

Originality/value

The paper outlines the status of current knowledge regarding the likely impact of climate change‐related extreme weather events on healthcare infrastructure. It explores key issues and determines where future work should be undertaken to ensure that rigorous FM responses are available to cope with a clear and identified threat to the health of the Australian, and similar communities.

Details

Journal of Facilities Management, vol. 7 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1472-5967

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 August 2019

Julia Kathryn Giddy

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of extreme weather on tourism events through the perceptions of participants, using the case of the 2017 Cape Town Cycle…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of extreme weather on tourism events through the perceptions of participants, using the case of the 2017 Cape Town Cycle Tour (CTCT).

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilized a survey method to collect data. Questionnaires were distributed online to would-be participants in the cancelled 2017 CTCT. The questionnaire included both fixed-response and open-ended questions.

Findings

The results show that participants experienced mixed emotions to event cancellation. Most felt that the weather conditions warranted cancellation, but some concerns emerged as to how the cancellation was managed. In addition, many felt that the organization of the race needs to be rethought due to numerous negative weather experiences in recent years.

Research limitations/implications

The findings in this study are exploratory. They focus on a single event in one city. However, they provide important initial insight into how sporting event participants react to the negative impacts of extreme weather.

Practical implications

These results have important management implications in addressing the impact of weather on the events sector. They are significant in understanding best practice with regard to managing participants in the case of weather impacts on an event. They also demonstrate interesting results with regard to participant loyalty among active sport events tourists.

Originality/value

The originality of this study is in its extension of the broad discussion of the impact of extreme weather and climate change on tourism to the events sector. The implications of changing weather and climatic patterns on events, particularly mass-participation sporting events, are clear and need to be considered in order to effectively manage future impacts on this important economic sector. This is done by providing insight into how participants respond to these types of circumstances.

Details

International Journal of Event and Festival Management, vol. 10 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1758-2954

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 July 2019

Edimilson Costa Lucas, Wesley Mendes-Da-Silva and Gustavo Silva Araujo

Managing the risks associated to world food production is an important challenge for governments. A range of factors, among them extreme weather events, has threatened food…

Abstract

Purpose

Managing the risks associated to world food production is an important challenge for governments. A range of factors, among them extreme weather events, has threatened food production in recent years. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the impact of extreme rainfall events on the food industry in Brazil, a prominent player in this industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use the AR-GARCH-GPD hybrid methodology to identify whether extreme rainfall affects the stock price of food companies. To do so, the authors collected the daily closing price of the 16 food industry companies listed on the Brazilian stock exchange (B3), in January 2015.

Findings

The results indicate that these events have a significant impact on stock returns: on more than half of the days immediately following the heavy rain that fell between 28 February 2005 and 30 December 2014, returns were significantly low, leading to average daily losses of 1.97 per cent. These results point to the relevance of the need for instruments to hedge against weather risk, particularly in the food industry.

Originality/value

Given that extreme weather events have been occurring more and more frequently, financial literature has documented attempts at assessing the economic impacts of weather changes. There is little research, however, into assessing the impacts of these events at corporate level.

Propósito

O gerenciamento de riscos associados à produção mundial de alimentos é um desafio importante para governantes. Diversos fatores, entre eles os eventos climáticos extremos, têm ameaçado a produção de alimentos nos últimos anos. Neste artigo nós analisamos o impacto de eventos de chuvas extremas na indústria de alimentos no Brasil, um dos maiores produtores mundiais.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

Empregamos a metodologia híbrida AR-GARCH-GPD para verificar se chuvas extremas afetam o preço das ações das empresas de alimentos. Para isso, coletamos os preços de fechamento diário de 16 empresas do setor de alimentos listadas na Bolsa de Valores do Brasil [B]3, em janeiro de 2015.

Resultados

Os resultados sugerem que esses eventos exercem impacto significante sobre o retorno das ações: em mais da metade dos dias imediatamente posteriores à chuva extrema ocorrida entre 28/02/2005 e 30/12/2014, os retornos foram significantemente baixos, levando a perdas médias diárias próximas de 1,97%. Esses resultados apontam para a relevância da necessidade de instrumentos para proteção contra riscos climáticos, particularmente na indústria de alimentos.

Originalidad/valor

Tendo em vista que eventos climáticos extremos têm ocorrido com uma frequência cada vez maior, a literatura de finanças tem documentado tentativas de avaliar os impactos econômicos das mudanças climáticas. No entanto, nota-se a carência de pesquisas para avaliar os impactos desses eventos no nível das empresas.

Details

Academia Revista Latinoamericana de Administración, vol. 32 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1012-8255

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 25 August 2023

Mohamed Arouri, Adel Ben-Youssef and Cuong Viet Nguyen

In this study, the authors examine the push and pull effects of extreme weather events on migration among governorates in Egypt.

Abstract

Purpose

In this study, the authors examine the push and pull effects of extreme weather events on migration among governorates in Egypt.

Design/methodology/approach

To estimate the effect of extreme weather events on internal migration, the authors use migration gravity models and data from the 1996 and 2006 Population and Housing Censuses. The authors measure weather extremes by the number of months in the past 36 months with temperatures or precipitation of a governorate below the 5th percentile and above the 95th percentile of the distribution of monthly temperatures or precipitation of the corresponding governorate during the period 1900–2006.

Findings

This study’s results suggest that high temperatures in the origin area act as a push factor. High-temperature extremes have a positive effect on out-migration. A 1% increase in the number of months with high-temperature extremes in the original governorate results in a 0.1% increase in the number of out-migrants.

Practical implications

The study suggests that people may respond to weather extremes through migration. However, climate migrants in Egypt may encounter several significant risks that authorities must address.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first attempts to measure the push and pull effect of weather extremes on migration in Egypt.

Details

Journal of Economics and Development, vol. 25 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1859-0020

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 January 2014

Martin Loosemore, Vivien Chow and Denny McGeorge

A predicted increase in climate change-related extreme weather events will present hospitals with new health-related and physical risks which were not originally anticipated in…

Abstract

Purpose

A predicted increase in climate change-related extreme weather events will present hospitals with new health-related and physical risks which were not originally anticipated in building and infrastructure designs. Markus et al.'s building systems model is used to analyse a range of adaptive strategies to cope with such events. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Focus group interviews were conducted with a wide range of hospital stakeholders across three case study hospitals in Australia and New Zealand which have experienced extreme weather events.

Findings

It is concluded that effective adaptive strategies must balance responses across different organisational sub-systems. Contrary to previous research, the findings indicate that hospital managers do see hospital infrastructure as an important component of disaster response. However, it is the least adaptable of all response subsystems, making other options more attractive in the heat of a crisis.

Research limitations/implications

A focus on three case studies allowed the researchers to explore in-depth the experiences of stakeholders who had experienced extreme weather events. While producing highly valid results, the inherent limitation of this approach is the lack of breath. So further case studies are needed to generalise from the results.

Practical implications

Recommendations are made to improve the adaptive capacity of healthcare facilities to cope with the future health challenges of climate change risk.

Originality/value

By acknowledging that no one group holds all the knowledge to deal with extreme weather events, this paper capture the collective knowledge of all key stakeholders who have a stake in the process of responding effectively to such an event. It shows that hospital adaptation strategies cannot be considered in isolation from the surrounding emergency management systems in which a hospital is imbedded.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 21 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Expert briefing
Publication date: 21 September 2015

The political and economic implications of greater scientific understanding of extreme weather events.

Details

DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-DB205449

ISSN: 2633-304X

Keywords

Geographic
Topical
Article
Publication date: 2 November 2015

Ewelina Siwiec

– The purpose of this paper is to present problems related to the assessment of losses and expenditures caused by weather and climate-related events in Poland.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present problems related to the assessment of losses and expenditures caused by weather and climate-related events in Poland.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected by the direct questionnaire method from selected national and regional/local administration units.

Findings

The direct losses in 2001-2011 were estimated at more than PLN56 billion. The greatest losses were estimated in agriculture and infrastructure. The total amount of losses were estimated at PLN90 billion. In 2001-2011, more than PLN45 billion was spent in Poland on recovery and prevention of the impacts of extreme events, with a large part of it consisting of damages and benefits paid out by insurance companies.

Research limitations/implications

Given the limitations related to the method for collecting information, the results may be underestimated. It is well-advised to consider information on such a type of uncertainty in the course of the future research.

Practical implications

The results are of large importance for the building of public awareness and the making of political and investment-related decisions.

Originality/value

The estimates given in the paper are the first presentation of losses and expenditures caused by all the extreme events in the Polish territory which has been prepared on the basis of so many official information sources. The determination of “bottlenecks” related to the existing method for collecting information is a first step toward its improvement.

Details

Disaster Prevention and Management, vol. 24 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-3562

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 October 2011

Martin Loosemore, Jane Carthey, Venny Chandra and Anumitra Mirti Chand

The future of healthcare delivery will depend in part on the adaptive capacity of hospital infrastructure required to respond to the predicted physical and health‐related impacts…

1637

Abstract

Purpose

The future of healthcare delivery will depend in part on the adaptive capacity of hospital infrastructure required to respond to the predicted physical and health‐related impacts of climate change. The purpose of this paper is to assess the vulnerabilities and opportunities of existing hospital facilities faced with climate‐related extreme weather events and to identify adaptive strategies that will enable existing hospital facilities to assist rather than hinder healthcare continuity and quality during these events.

Design/methodology/approach

Four major hospitals in Australia and New Zealand, significantly exposed to climate change‐associated extreme weather event risks, were selected as case studies. A risk management workshop was conducted for each case study using the risk and opportunity management system methodology.

Findings

The preliminary findings identified several key objectives associated with responding to the impact of extreme weather events on healthcare infrastructure. Assuming the overall aim of ensuring continuity of service delivery, the common objectives are: guaranteeing the availability of essential (building) services; maintaining the physical integrity of the hospital; supporting effective inter‐agency communication; and providing access to and from the hospital for staff and patients.

Research limitations/implications

Given Australia's relatively high exposure to climate extremes, the social, economic and health benefits of developing hospital adaptation strategies to mitigate risks and maximize opportunities in responding are significant.

Practical implications

The outcomes of this research will contribute to a growing evidence base of design and facilities management adaptation strategies for hospitals susceptible to increasing risks of extreme weather events.

Originality/value

The paper presents the first assessment of climate vulnerabilities and opportunities for hospital facilities in Australia and New Zealand.

Details

International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, vol. 2 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-5908

Keywords

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