In the ever-changing world of maritime operations, understanding and managing risks is paramount. A recent workshop held in Glasgow has shed light on how the industry can better tackle compound and multi-hazard events, which are essentially multiple weather-driven hazards like heatwaves, droughts, storms, or floods occurring simultaneously or in quick succession. These events can have a compounding impact on society and the environment, and the maritime sector is no exception.
Lou Brett, a researcher from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, led the charge in organizing this workshop. The event brought together scientists, practitioners, and policymakers to discuss how to better manage these complex risks. “There’s a need to adopt a more ‘multi-hazard approach’ to managing compound events in practice,” Brett emphasized. This approach is crucial because traditional methods often focus on single hazards, leaving gaps in risk assessment and management.
So, what does this mean for maritime professionals? Well, it’s all about breaking down silos and fostering a more integrated approach. Imagine a scenario where a port is hit by a storm, followed by a heatwave, and then a drought. Each of these events on their own is challenging, but when they happen in quick succession, the impacts can be devastating. A multi-hazard approach would consider all these events together, providing a more comprehensive risk assessment and management strategy.
One of the key themes discussed was the need for a common language. This might sound simple, but it’s crucial. When scientists, policymakers, and practitioners all use the same terminology, communication becomes more effective, and collaboration becomes easier. This is especially important in the maritime sector, where operations often involve multiple stakeholders.
Another important point was the promotion of knowledge co-production. This means involving all relevant parties in the creation of knowledge and tools. For example, port authorities, shipping companies, and meteorological services could work together to develop better forecasting tools and risk management strategies. This collaborative approach can lead to more practical and effective solutions.
The workshop also highlighted the importance of utilizing case studies for improved communication. Real-world examples can help illustrate complex concepts and make them more relatable. For instance, a case study of a port that successfully managed a compound event could provide valuable insights for other ports facing similar challenges.
Centralizing information is another key takeaway. Having a central repository of research, tools, and frameworks can make it easier for practitioners and policymakers to access the information they need. This could be particularly useful in the maritime sector, where operations often span multiple jurisdictions and involve a wide range of stakeholders.
The discussions from this workshop, published in ‘Meteorological Applications’ (which translates to ‘Weather Applications’ in English), provide a roadmap for enhancing risk management in the maritime sector. By adopting a multi-hazard approach, fostering collaboration, and promoting knowledge co-production, the industry can better prepare for and respond to compound and multi-hazard events. So, the next time a storm hits, followed by a heatwave, the maritime sector will be better equipped to weather the storm, quite literally.
