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Published on: July 24, 2016
Developing a translational discourse to communicate uncertainty in flood risk between science and the practitioner
Hazel Faulkner1, Dennis Parker, Colin Green
1Flood Hazard Research Centre, Middlesex University, Queensway, Enfield, London, United Kingdom. h.p.faulkner@mdx.ac.uk
Ambio
|February 5, 2008
Summary
Effective communication in flood risk management (FRM) requires a shared language for uncertainty. This study proposes a pragmatic semiotics to bridge the gap between scientists and UK professionals, improving flood risk estimates and warnings.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Risk Management
- Communication Studies
Background:
- Current methods for estimating flood risk and uncertainty in flood risk management (FRM) are not optimized for effective communication.
- A significant communication challenge exists between scientists developing flood models/forecasts and the professional groups receiving flood risk estimates and warnings in the UK.
- Barriers to effective communication are influenced by the professional's agenda or "mission".
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop the rationale for a pragmatic semiotics of risk communication in FRM.
- To explore barriers to effective communication and the formation of a shared communication language.
- To outline tools for developing discourse in real-time flood warnings and generalized FRM communications.
Main Methods:
- Exploration of communication barriers and constraints in FRM.
- Analysis of the role of professional agendas in shaping communication.
- Outlining of available tools for discourse development in FRM.
Main Results:
- The contested ownership of uncertainty articulation in flood risk communication can be reduced.
- A formally structured translational discourse between scientists and professionals in FRM is proposed.
- Development of "codes of practice" for uncertainty estimation in different FRM application areas is feasible.
Conclusions:
- A pragmatic semiotics approach can enhance the clarity and utility of flood risk communication.
- Establishing a structured translational discourse is key to improving FRM practices.
- Institutional contexts need to be considered for the successful implementation of improved communication strategies.
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