According to plan? disaster risk knowledge and organizational responses to heat wave risk in london, uk

Abstract

This paper explores how disaster risk knowledge shapes local heat wave risk management in London, UK. Its focus is on the implementation of the UK National Heatwave Plan through public sector organizations in London. Empirical evidence stems from 49 semi‐structured, expert interviews with risk managers from local authorities, and health and social care organizations in London. Findings suggest that the National Heatwave Plan is an important source of disaster risk knowledge, but that it has not been successful in steering sustainable change in the way that heat risk is planned for at the local level. The plan is perceived locally as a public health strategy focused on emergency response. This reinforces local heat wave planning approaches that are enacted through public health and that prioritize short‐term response actions, rather than long‐term preventive strategies. This paper argues that the provision of disaster risk knowledge can undermine paradigm shifts in local risk planning if it constrains consideration of alternatives to existing risk management approaches.

Stakeholders’ Perception on National Heatwave Plans and Their Local Implementation in Belgium and The Netherlands

“…Similarly, a previous study showed that the UK National Heatwave Plan, although considered an important source of disaster risk knowledge, was not successful in steering sustainable change in the way that heat risk is planned for at the local level [23]. This results in large variation in the number of activities between different municipalities, as was observed in our study.…”

Stakeholders’ Perception on National Heatwave Plans and Their Local Implementation in Belgium and The Netherlands

“…In Belgium, implementation on a local level is not included in the national plan, and should be taken up fully by the local stakeholders. Similarly, a previous study showed that the UK National Heatwave Plan, although considered an important source of disaster risk knowledge, was not successful in steering sustainable change in the way that heat risk is planned for at the local level [22]. This results in large variation in the number of activities between different municipalities, as was observed in our study.…”

Assessing Urban Risk to Extreme Heat in China

“…The attitude of the international community towards climate change has shifted from passive response to active adaptation, with more emphasis on systematic behavioral adjustment to mitigate the adverse effects of risk. With respect to extreme heat hazard, many cities have developed corresponding action plans and adaptation countermeasures, such as the Heat Wave Plan for England, Toronto Hot Weather Response Plan, and Chicago Climate Action Plan [63,64]. Although related actions such as early warning of high temperature weather, online reports of heat stroke cases, and protection of outdoor workers have been carried out in China, specialized planning actions and systematic adaptation countermeasures for different cities have not yet been formed.…”