Flood risk perception and communication within risk management in different cultural contexts

A comparative case study between Wuhan, China, and Cologne, Germany - Graduate research series, vol. 1:

This document provides an in-depth analysis of the interplay of risk perception, communication and culture using comparative case study on flood risk perception in Germany and China. It links preparedness, early warning, and emergency management to flood risk mitigation and to risk perception and communication.

The study investigates flood risk perception and communication amongst key institutional stakeholders involved in flood risk management in the different cultural settings of China and Germany. Using qualitative social research methods, this study aims at: (i) understanding the discrepancies of risk perceptions between different actors; (ii) identifying flood risk communication features among flood risk management organizational units and between risk management and the general public; (iii) comparing the perception and communication characteristics in different cultural contexts; and (iv) analysing how differences are embedded in culture and exploring the potential of cross cultural transferability of good practices and its implementation with consideration of cultural diversity.

The Graduate research series of the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) publishes outstanding dissertations and selected Master’s theses of graduate students who have completed their studies within the research programme of UNU-EHS.