A global science agenda on risk

The International Science Council (ISC), the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), and the Integrated Research on Disaster Risk (IRDR) programme are launching a survey to support the development of a global Agenda for risk science, that is shaped by multiple perspectives, to guide international research, scientific collaboration and funding to strengthen the impact of science on risk management and risk reduction: https://council.science/survey-development-global-science-agenda-risk/.

Global risk landscape

From major global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and financially and socially induced risks to day-to-day crises and risks impacting much of the globe through inequalities and vulnerabilities, often exacerbated by globalization and digitalization, disaster risk has come to occupy a central place in development with science being required to work more innovatively and collaboratively. The global risk landscape is undergoing rapid and profound changes across Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), climate change and sustainable development. The trend is for more severe and complex impacts that cascade through social, economic and environmental systems. This reflects the growing interconnectivity and interdependence across socio-economic systems, as well as physical, biological, environmental, social, and cyber systems. A more holistic approach to risk is needed that considers hazard, vulnerability, exposure and capacity together and better understands their complex interactions. The Agenda seeks to engage and reflect the priorities and interests of groups within and beyond the DRR research and practice to identify knowledge gaps and priorities and build the evidence base needed for risk-informed decision-making.

The survey aims to collect feedback and inputs on the Draft Research Agenda document (https://council.science/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/THE-DRAFT-RESEARCH-AGENDA-ZOD-v5-11-April-2021.pdf). It is therefore essential that survey respondents read the draft before answering the questions. The survey is composed of 10 open questions and will close on 5 May 2021: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/EmergingGlobalRisk2021.

For any questions regarding the process, please contact riskagenda@council.science.