Extreme Weather Demands Effective Communication
Floods and fires have caused several disasters around the world. This places high demands on authorities to ensure they can warn residents in time. Now, experts are coming together in a European network, which includes several researchers from the University of Gothenburg.
The new network for researchers, AlertHub (Warning Communication Knowledge Network) has just had its first meeting in Cologne.
Bengt Johansson, Professor at the Department of Journalism, Media, and Communication (JMG), leads a working group that maps out the existing knowledge about communication during disasters and warning systems in Europe.
This is one of the tasks of AlertHub, which includes participants from 27 different countries, which was formed last fall, is funded by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST).
From JMG, which among other things focuses on risk and crisis communication, postdoctoral researcher Pavel Rodin also participates. He is coordinator for conferences and training at AlertHub.
PhD student Sofia Johansson, who focuses on the information repertoire during crises, is also part of the network.
Crucial to work internationally
“It is of course crucial that we work together to collect and develop knowledge on how to best prepare and warn residents for crises like floods and fires, notes Professor Bengt Johansson. Disasters caused by climate change are international phenomena, so researchers need to join forces internationally as well”.
The network will, over the four-year project period, also identify the main challenges for effective warning communication in Europe and develop a knowledge platform with open access.
More information
Learn more about the research network AlertHub on the website: https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA23126/
Read more about JMG's research on risk and crisis communication on the website: https://www.gu.se/en/jmg/risk-and-crisis-communication
Text: Cajsa Malmström
