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Flood management under climatic variability and its future perspective in Japan
T Ikeda1, J Yoshitani, A Terakawa
1Secretariat for Preparatory Activities, UNESCO-PWRI Centre, Public Works Research Institute (PWRI), 1-6, Minamihara, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8516, Japan. whrm@pwri.go.jp
Summary
Japan faces increasing flood disasters due to climate change. This paper reviews flood management and proposes an international center for water hazard risk management.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Hydrology
- Climatology
Background:
- Japan experiences escalating flood disasters with significant recent impacts.
- Climate change and global warming are projected to intensify rainfall and alter patterns, exacerbating flood risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review Japan's long-standing flood characteristics and management policies.
- To examine recent devastating floods under climate variability.
- To present progress in hydro-meteorological assessment and foster interdisciplinary dialogue.
- To introduce a new initiative for an international center on water-related hazards and risk management.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical flood data and management strategies in Japan.
- Analysis of recent flood events in the context of climate variability.
- Assessment of hydro-meteorological tendencies.
- Facilitation of dialogue between climatologists and hydrologists.
Main Results:
- Identification of key flood characteristics and evolving management policies in Japan.
- Documentation of severe flood impacts linked to recent climate variability.
- Progress in understanding hydro-meteorological changes and the need for integrated approaches.
Conclusions:
- Japan's experience highlights the growing threat of floods exacerbated by climate change.
- Enhanced assessment and interdisciplinary collaboration are crucial for effective flood risk management.
- An international center is proposed to advance global efforts in managing water-related hazards.