Preface: Building social capacities for natural hazards: an emerging field for research and practice in Europe

摘要: “Capacities” have gained considerable attention in the field of disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation; this at least is impression that one gets when reading through scientific publications published over past few years. The notion “capacity” considered as being integral to concept vulnerability, i.e. function exposure, susceptibility, coping and/or adaptive capacity (Fuchs et al., 2011); it fundamental idea resilience its emphasis on how a system able absorb shocks disturbances (Lorenz, 2013) also central consequences (IPCC, 2007). But capacities has prominence policy level. Hyogo Framework for Action 2005–2015 (UN-ISDR, 2005), instance, promotes local-level acknowledges such shift take place, building efforts are required 2005). Climate Disaster Resilience Initiative (CDRI) launched so-called capacity-building programme number Asian cities order enhance awareness communication skills local decision makers with regard climate-related risks their (CDRI, 2010). More recently, while increasingly present, actual meaning often taken granted and, thus, rarely defined. According OECD (Organisation Economic Co-operation Development) Development Directorate (DCD-DAC) (2006), can be generally defined “the ability people, organisations society whole manage affairs successfully” (Baser Morgan, 2008, p. 22). A broader search, particularly development hazard research, reveals term widely used encapsulate broad set resources (including abilities, skills, financial means, competences, social relations) an individual or entity (such group, community even entire society) including either actually available provide potential (i.e. something latent). Moreover, always refers existence positive. Therefore lack implies some sort deficit. deficit thus requires building. Although explicit “social building” only sparsely used, all definitions approaches basically relate endeavour based learning, increasing abilities well improving interactions between different actors. This special issue entitled “Building natural hazards: emerging research practice Europe” offers forum views conceptualizations dealing development. By doing so, structures new interdisciplinary topic by identifying types capacities, enhancing good practices from across Europe. single papers come reflect range domains centring more established concepts governance, perception, communication. As contributions show, these strands fields develop them exist. intends identify unifying topics general