The southern Norwegian city of Kristiansand suffered widespread damage from severe flooding this month, but the city is bouncing back with optimism. “We are creating tools that cities can use to prevent disasters, and to be prepared for when they occur. It is also important that cities learn from each other's experiences, good and bad," said Professor Jose J. Gonzalez, the University of Agder (UiA).
He is the acting scientific coordinator for Smart Mature Resilience, in which the UiA and the Municipality of Kristiansand, along with six other European cities, four research and international institutions and ICLEI Europe, develop tools to help cities prepare for natural disasters such as sea level rise, extreme weather, flooding and landslides, as well as terrorist attacks and major accidents.
"We can warn or prepare people living near vulnerable areas about the risk of flooding, avalanches or acute pollution from a company or similar. The information can go to charity or non-governmental organisations, or directly via text, email or social media.” explained Sigurd Paulsen, Deputy Chief Executive Officer in Kristiansand Municipality.
“In addition to natural disasters, the research project deals with how cities can prepare and handle conditions such as heat waves, juvenile delinquency and economic changes. Several of the models have already been tested and have already achieved good results in cities such as Vejle (Denmark) and Glasgow (UK). In both cities, they have managed to turn economic recession into new optimism and growth " said Gonzalez.
Three of the cities that participated in the research projects, Bristol (UK), Glasgow and Vejle, already began developing resilience ten years ago in order to better cope with unforeseen events. To make this happen, the cities have expanded their cooperation with business, the city's organisations and universities, and have gotten citizens involved in city processes.
"In these three cities, the investment has had positive ripple effects. The cities have managed to turn business downturns into positive growth, "says Gonzalez.
For more information, visit the SMR website.