JUERGEN WEICHSELGARTNER, Cambridge: Gesellschaftliche Verwundbarkeit und Wissen

Social vulnerability and knowledge

The paper considers the problem of increasing losses from natural disasters from the perspective of previously neglected structures and constructions of knowledge. Using examples, the author reveals the interconnections between natural hazards, disasters and knowledge. Thus, it becomes apparent that knowledge management plays an important role in reducing disaster vulnerability. Moreover, it becomes clear that approaches based on static thinking and linear causalities are contradictory to the multidimensional and dynamic structure of the natural disaster problem. Single-discipline concepts cannot solve this multi-layered problem. Therefore the author proposes the analytical linking of social and geophysical factors, the combined use of natural and social scientific research methods as well as the co-production of knowledge. Ultimately, the development of adequate disaster mitigation strategies can only be successful if the structures and practices of knowledge management adjust to societal and natural conditions. In order to be influential, scientific knowledge must be considered salient, legitimate and credible by potential users. Thus their involvement in the knowledge production process is crucial.

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