Given the fact that more and more people are affected by natural hazards, dealing with risk research is a crucial issue. Earthquakes, volcanic activity, intense rainfall, floods and droughts are just a few examples of natural events that bring with them major challenges for society. In recent years, devastating earthquakes and dramatic climate capers have, in a terrifying manner, made it clear that considerable risks exist for people and the economy alike. These risks are formed at the interface of natural processes and human activity.
An integrated risk management for the various processes therefore requires not only a solid understanding of the underlying natural processes, but also needs to take into consideration the associated political and societal tolerance limits. The complex dynamics precipitated by combining hazards and vulnerability requires new approaches in risk management and the ways in which our society deals with the risk
Beyond all disciplinary boundaries, the participants of the ten-day Summer School will discuss, together with scientists, politicians, business representatives and professional practitioners, possible ways to face risks and challenges and to design options for sustainable prevention of natural hazards. For the second time, the Potsdam Summer School is sponsored and organised jointly by the Geoscience and Climate Research institutions in Potsdam: Helmholtz Centre Potsdam - GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, the University of Potsdam, the Alfred Wegener Institute - Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI), the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS), and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK). The state capital of Potsdam is supporting the event as a partner.
The different perspectives on the socially relevant topic of natural hazards will be the focus of a public event organised for the citizens of Potsdam on 21 September, beginning at 7.30 p.m. in the Hans Otto Theatre. As part of the proWissen Association's lecture series "Potsdam Heads", the well-known risk researcher Prof. Dr Ortwin Renn (University of Stuttgart) will present a talk on "How threatening are natural disasters? Between sensationalism and downplaying – insights into the state of current research". The talk will be given in the "Nachtboulevard" in the Reithalle of the Hans Otto Theatre and will revolve around the social perception of risks and disasters.
Further information: http://potsdam-summer-school.org
Contact IASS Potsdam:
Corina Weber | +49 331 28822 340 | corina.weber@iass-potsdam.de
Contact GFZ Potsdam:
Franz Ossing | +49 331 288-1040 | franz.ossing@gfz-potsdam.de
Contact AWI:
Sina Löschke | +49 471 4831-2008 | medien@awi.de
Contact PIK Potsdam:
Jonas Viering | +49 331 288-2507 | presse@pik-potsdam.de
Contact University of Potsdam:
Silke Engel | +49 331 977-1474 | presse@uni-potsdam.de
Contact City of Potsdam:
Markus Klier | +49 331 289-1263| markus.klier@rathaus.potsdam.de
