KIBEX
Within the framework of the KIBEX project, methods for the vulnerability
assessment of population and critical infrastructure towards climate
change related extreme events (high intensity rainfall events, storms,
droughts and heat waves) will be developed with several representative
communities in Germany. Thereby, the close cooperation with local actors
(e.g., infrastructure operators, administration, protection agencies)
plays an essential role, as important information can only be obtained
on this level. The cooperation furthermore enables communities to
actively participate in the process of developing action plans according
to their needs, especially for disaster management and adaptation
strategies.
The project is conducted in cooperation with the German Aerospace Centre
(Deutsches Luft- und Raumfahrtzentrum, DLR) as well as with the Postdam
Institute for Climate Impact Research (Potsdam Institut für
Klimafolgenforschung, PIK) and financed by the Federal Office for Civil
Protection and Disaster Assistance (Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschuz und
Katastrophenhilfe, BBK).
Time span
November 2009 - June 2013
Key goals
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Assessment of vulnerabilities of different social groups and Critical Infrastructures to climate change related extreme weather events, particularly heat waves, droughts and flash floods
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Development of different assessment methods including criteria and indicators to assess the exposure, susceptibility and adaptive capacities of these systems and components of risk
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Identification of interdependencies of Critical Infrastructures (esp. water supply, electricity supply and transportation)
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Discussion of the resulting conditions and challenges for civil protection
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Development of specific and applicable adaptation strategies
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Exchange of information and experiences with local stakeholders
Working methods
Within the project duration, a variety of methods will contribute to our interdisciplinary approach. Regional climate scenarios will be evaluated in order to assess vulnerabilities and to develop indicators and criteria that also help to evaluate actual and potential adaptation strategies. Furthermore, cartographic data will be analysed in order to create exposure maps and project scenarios for extreme events.
The results of these techniques, in addition to generating further empirical data (conducting expert interviews and surveys), will lead to a more comprehensive vulnerability assessment of populations and Critical Infrastructures, as well as to an understanding of their interdependencies and functional chains in light of climate change and extreme events.
Through regular workshops the close cooperation with local stakeholders will be sought; not only to share information, but also to generate locally grounded data and to systematize actual experiences that can lead to sustainable dissemination and implementation of adaptive strategies and management in cases of extreme events.
