Module Objectives

Analysis and interpretation of the term Vulnerability as a critical component of Risk (and Disaster Risk). Identification of determinant factors and qualitative and quantitative methodologies of vulnerability assessment.

Consideration of the several aspects of Vulnerability, human, social, economic, institutional, technical, territorial. Familiarization of the students with the methodologies, processes, policies and measures leading to Vulnerability Reduction and Risk Mitigation, in particular long-term prevention (including preventive land use planning) and short term preparedness.

Searching for the role of Resilience and Risk Perception in vulnerability fluctuations and risk governance and management. Acknowledgement of the relevant importance of technology, social and political organization, development level and risk culture.

Course Content

The module includes the following topics: The concepts of Risk and Vulnerability from a historical perspective – Categories of modern risks (environmental, natural, technological, Na-Tech etc), coping processes and relevant problems – Trust and credibility in the relationships and communication among the Risk (scientific) community, political / administrative decision-making and the lay public – Beck’s concept of “Risk Society”.

Forms of vulnerability and vulnerability agencies – Vulnerability at macro- and micro- spatial scales, vulnerability of economic structures, administrative agencies, private individuals, businesses, households, lifelines etc – Vulnerability and Risk Analysis models: Behaviorism, structuralism, and the ecological model – Vulnerability components: Exposure, Resistance, Resilience, Response / Coping Capacity.

Risk Management options – Systematic integration of prevention / mitigation into development planning: Costs and benefits – Mitigation policies against floods – Mitigation policies against seismic disasters – Forest fire prevention and preparedness policies – Examples of risk mitigation policies from Greece and the international experience – Risk Governance.

Teaching and Assessment

– Theoretical lectures
– Tutorials
– Oral and written evaluation of the tutorials (100% of the total grade)

The module is also available through eclass platform (http://eclass.hua.gr/courses/GEO163/).