Supervisors info:
Δρ. Διακάκης Μιχαήλ, Επίκουρος Καθηγητής , Τμήμα Γεωλογίας και Γεωπεριβάλλοντος, ΕΚΠΑ,
Δρ. Ευθύμιος Λέκκας, Καθηγητής Τμήμα Γεωλογίας και Γεωπεριβάλλοντος, ΕΚΠΑ,
Δρ. Άννα Καρκάνη, Εργαστηριακό Διδακτικό Προσωπικό (Ε.ΔΙ.Π.) , Τμήμα Γεωλογίας και Γεωπεριβάλλοντος, ΕΚΠΑ
Summary:
Floods are one of the most destructive natural phenomena affecting human society. As climate change progresses, the frequency and intensity of floods have increased, causing environmental, social and economic considerations. The aim of this paper is to scrutinize public perceptions of floods and compare them with previous periods, particularly in light of recent catastrophic floods.
Effects of Floods: Floods affect the economy, environment and human society. In the field of economy, floods can have serious effects. Losses in agriculture can lead to increased food prices, while the destruction of infrastructure can hurt a region's productivity and competitiveness. In addition, floods can affect employment as many people lose their jobs due to the economic disruption they cause. Also, floods can have very serious consequences in the degradation of the environment, such as the contamination of surface and underground water, the erosion of soils resulting in the reduction of their fertility as well as the destruction of ecosystems and the reduction of biodiversity. Floods, finally, can affect human society through human losses, the spread of disease, the psychological effect on survivors as well as the destruction of infrastructure.
Climate Change and the Role of Public Perception: Climate change is a determining factor in increasing the frequency and intensity of floods. The increase in the temperature of the planet leads to increased atmospheric humidity and intense weather phenomena. In addition, sea level rise leads to flooding of coastal areas. To meet this challenge, it is necessary to increase public awareness and information. Floods and climate change require collective action and prevention. In addition, public understanding of climate change must be improved through educational programs and information campaigns on the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to changes in the planet Earth's climate.
Public Perception and Comparison with Previous Periods: Public perceptions of floods are critical to the development of policies as well as protection measures. The public's perception of flooding may vary by geographic region, education level, and experience of individuals. Surveys and polls can highlight these differences in public perception. It is also important to compare current perceptions with those of previous periods. Flooding is nothing new, but its effects have increased with climate change. Comparing these different periods can highlight how crisis awareness has evolved over time as well as after a very recent catastrophic event (catastrophic Thessaly floods during 2023) The closing of this text highlights the need for information, awareness and action regarding the effects of flooding. Climate change requires us to face this challenge collectively and invest in prevention, protection and adaptation. Common understanding and ongoing monitoring of flood impacts are critical to establishing our security and well-being in this era of uncertainty and climate change.
Keywords:
Risk perception, floods, extreme weather events, flood risk
