Risk management perspective for climate service development – Results from a study on Finnish organizations

Abstract

Abstract. Weather, climate and climate change can cause significant risks to businesses and public administration. However, understanding these processes can also create opportunities. Information can help to manage these risks and opportunities, but in order to do so, it must be in line with how risk management and decision making works. To better understand how climate risks and opportunities are reflected in different organizational processes and what types of information is needed and used, we conducted a study on the perceptions and management of weather and climate risks in Finnish organizations and on their use of weather and climate information. In addition, we collected feedback on how the existing climate information tools should be developed.Data on climate risk management was collected in an online survey and in one full-day workshop. The survey was aimed to the Finnish public and private organizations who use weather and climate data and altogether 118 responses were collected. The workshop consisted of two parts: weather and climate risk management processes in general and the development of the current information tools to further address user needs.We found that climate risk management in organizations is quite diverse and often de-centralized and that external experts are considered the most useful sources of information. Consequently, users emphasize the need for networks of expertise and sector-specific information tools. Creating such services requires input and information sharing from the user side as well. Better temporal and spatial accuracy is naturally asked for, but users also stressed the need for transparency when it comes to communicating uncertainties, and the availability and up-to-datedness of information.Our results illustrate that weather and climate risks compete and blend in with other risks and changes perceived by the organizations and supporting information is sought from different types of sources. Thus the design and evaluation of climate services should take into account the context of existing and developing processes in organizational risk management.

Communicating the amount of windstorm induced forest damage by the maximum wind gust speed in Finland

“…And if the highest wind speeds (42 m s −1 ) are only occurring over the sea, we can pick the highest wind gust speeds that most probably occur over the land, and give a corresponding estimate for the most likely windstorm induced forest damage risk. This kind of communication would also prepare the society to facing the risks and the uncertainty range in a more concrete manner as was desired by the Finnish authorities in support of adaptation planning (Harjanne et al, 2017).…”

“…When the status of adaptation to climatic risks in Finland was recently mapped (Gregow et al, 2016), one of the key findings was that actionable impact-based predictions and warnings should be developed and be available. As well, the uncertainties and likelihood of the severe impacts should be communicated (Harjanne et al, 2017). Developing impact estimates to improve communication and as well, in order to concretize the windstorm risks to the society is thus considered extremely vital.…”

Identifying Policy Actions Supporting Weather-Related Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation in Finland

“…The municipality survey (detailed in Reference [7]) was sent to 122 municipalities that have been active in climate change planning and received 33 responses. The questionnaire for public and private organizations was sent to 500 recipients, of which 118 responded (detailed in Reference [34]). The surveys were conducted using online forms that were open for two weeks (30 November-13 December 2015).…”

“…Some of these actions may provide competitive advantages through cost savings, strengthened business continuity and reputational benefits. Some private sector actors plan to proactively seek competitiveness benefits or seize business opportunities in Disaster Risk Management and CCA [34].…”

Mapping users' expectations regarding extended-range forecasts

“…However, the use has been mostly non-operational and the outlooks for the general public have been provided in text format on the FMI website, therefore not engaging the public much in the development of the services. Furthermore, only a few casestudy verifications have been made (Hyvärinen et al, 2017) for showing the capability and usefulness of these forecasts for the Finnish society. Buontempo et al (2014) especially emphasize the need to maintain the dialogue between providers and users of climate information when developing the climate services.…”