From Single Hazards to Multi-Hazards and Systemic Risks

Traditional single-hazard approaches often fail to capture the full picture of disaster risk. By overlooking multiple hazards and their interdependencies, they underestimate real risk levels and limit the effectiveness of prevention and response measures. Multi-hazard risk assessments therefore aim to identify all relevant hazards, analyse their interactions, and support more robust disaster management. This open access book adopts both a scientific and an operational perspective to examine multi-hazards and systemic risks. System-thinking and open-science frameworks offer promising solutions. Advances in data-driven, knowledge-driven and physically based modelling techniques now enable improved prediction and simulation of interconnected hazards. The contemporary concept of risk recognises the dynamic interactions between hazards, exposure, vulnerability, and response. As risks become more complex and systemic, a systemic framework is required to transform risk management into an integrated, adaptive and inclusive governance model. Effective risk communication strategies can address complex risks and multiple crises. Such strategies foster relationships with communities, encourage culturally sensitive dialogue and involve various stakeholders in decision-making processes. This book evaluates multi-hazard and systemic risk approaches and explores ways forward for the EU’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) to better anticipate shifting risk landscapes. It enhances public trust and engagement by presenting improved communication strategies and behavioral insights – including serious games as powerful tools.