Suchergebnisse

In natural disaster and man-made conflict scenarios, livelihoods, assets, community networks and relationships get destroyed and in many areas, lives and communities are devastated. Re-settling these communities and providing them the essential support to adapt to the new or changed environments has been a major challenge for governments. Taking into consideration case studies from two South Asian countries, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, this paper explores the displacement and re-location cycle experienced and the impact disaster, conflict and reconciliation has on families, community and stakeholder relationships and networks as they re-build their lives in the re-settlement process. The case studies were selected from available literature to focus on different kinds of natural disasters and civil conflicts. The paper focuses on characteristics of resilient communities and how these characteristics have aided the recovery and re-settlement. It also identifies attributes that are inherent in communities that have undergone disaster and displacement and explores how these attributes have helped communities in re-building their lives. From the literature and the case study results and information, it is seen that topics of safety, security, and livelihoods summarises the core needs that are important for transitional settlement and shelter. Having ownership of assets, a shelter or dwelling unit or land is also important in the re-settlement process. These requirements vary according to the ethnicity, religion and culture and the challenges for the relief agencies are to provide alternative solutions that match these requirements in the short and long term.

In natural disaster and man-made conflict scenarios, livelihoods, assets, community networks and relationships get destroyed and in many areas, lives and communities are devastated. Re-settling these communities and providing them the essential support to adapt to the new or changed environments has been a major challenge for governments. Taking into consideration case studies from two South Asian countries, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, this paper explores the displacement and re-location cycle experienced and the impact disaster, conflict and reconciliation has on families, community and stakeholder relationships and networks as they re-build their lives in the re-settlement process. The case studies were selected from available literature to focus on different kinds of natural disasters and civil conflicts. The paper focuses on characteristics of resilient communities and how these characteristics have aided the recovery and re-settlement. It also identifies attributes that are inherent in communities that have undergone disaster and displacement and explores how these attributes have helped communities in re-building their lives. From the literature and the case study results and information, it is seen that topics of safety, security, and livelihoods summarises the core needs that are important for transitional settlement and shelter. Having ownership of assets, a shelter or dwelling unit or land is also important in the re-settlement process. These requirements vary according to the ethnicity, religion and culture and the challenges for the relief agencies are to provide alternative solutions that match these requirements in the short and long term.

Climate change cause extreme weather patterns that have adverse effects on the infrastructure in UK, resulting in disruption to all stakeholders. These include extreme temperature highs; storms, windstorms, hurricanes; high levels of precipitation and associated flooding and lack of precipitation and associated drought. In recent years flooding has had severe impact on infrastructure and related physical assets in UK. The transport systems struggle to cope even though advancements are made in research and mitigation strategies. This paper examined areas of infrastructure related to land transport that fail or seem to fail and cause extreme disturbance to its users. It sought to identify the elements that are more vulnerable and need reinforcing in order to strengthen the resilience and the capability to cope in extreme weather. A broad-ranging literature review including government and stakeholder reports, case studies and action plans provided the foundation for the study. The paper attempted to capture the key lessons that can inform future adaptation and mitigating strategies and identifies areas that need further improvements in strengthening the resilience of the key infrastructure facilities. The information illustrated that it is not only the responsibility of one organisation but also a collective effort from government, local authorities, health, police and other infrastructure providers. Roads, railways, ports and other infrastructure assets must be constructed, refurbished or retrofitted to withstand extreme weather conditions. The design standards and thresholds must be re-visited and reviewed to encompass new weather scenarios and effects.

UK Government targets to cut carbon emissions by 80% by year 2050. While working towards zero carbon new homes, refurbishment of the existing housing stock is essential as 27% of the UK's CO2 emissions coming from energy use in homes. Developing a culture of innovation in organisations and industry appears to be vital in triggering innovation and leaders face many challenges. Number of research studies carried out in the social housing sector over a decade (2000-2010) highlight key issues that are important in implementing innovative technologies. The results identify a range of leadership and organisational characteristics that are needed to drive innovation.

Santa Catarina in Brazil is affected by adverse climatic events such as floods, flash floods, landslides, windstorms, tornadoes and coastal erosions. Floods have caused fatalities and major damages to infrastructure and continue to do so routinely. Many people live in high-risk areas of coastal flooding and landslides and without a robust risk management, mitigation and adaption strategy, communities are prone to major disasters and displacement. Problems related to lack of city planning, lack of integrated urban drainage networks and lack of robust infrastructure networks are blamed for poor city resilience. Governments are known to react rather than plan and prevent. Lack of transparency, political interference, governance and institutional fragility of local administrations are blamed for not implementing long-term city-planning measures. This paper examines the policy framework and the governance structure that is in place to improve the resilience of the infrastructure projects. Literature review, case studies and action plans for the region provide an understanding of the current debate. It establishes the need for joined up integrated coastal and land zone management and governance solutions to be implemented by all stakeholders.

The Government has set an ambitious target to cut the UK's carbon emissions by 80% by year 2050. To meet these targets, action is needed in the residential sector with 27% of the UK's CO2 emissions coming from energy use in homes. While working towards zero-carbon new homes, refurbishment of the existing housing stock to advanced, low-carbon standards is essential. In this process the involvement of all stakeholders and behavioural change of occupants to lowcarbon life styles are primary factors. This paper presents the findings of an Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council Public Engagement project (2009–2010) carried out to promote low-carbon home adaptations and behaviour change among the elderly. A number of engagement events were held to increase the awareness of environmental upgrading of homes, energy-efficiency measures, financial support available and low-carbon life styles. A feedback process collected information on sustainable actions taken by the attendees 3–6 months after the initial events. A coding method was designed to analyse the questionnaire responses. The results illustrated that many had made changes in their lives since attending the events, are planning to change or have encouraged someone else they know to make a change in their lives to be more sustainable.