Floods and Earthquakes: The Implications of Competing Risks On Behavioural Action

Natural disasters are a global concern with each region experiencing unique risks and vulnerabilities. Using concepts from risk research, we can examine how the general public perceives and understands the risks that they face. However, further research is needed to understand how people comprehend risk when faced with competing hazards to see how satisficing and the finite pool of worry influence perceptions. Kumamoto Prefecture is an interesting area to study this. In 2016 the region experienced an earthquake and flooding in close proximal time to one another, with efforts being made to reduce future risks. Using risk perceptions and concepts from behavioural economics, this research examines how multiple hazards are viewed and applies tools from behavioural and decision research to encourage protective behaviour to be taken.

Faculty Supervisor:

Stephanie Chang

Student:

Partner:

Kumamoto University

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program:

Globalink Research Award