Natech Risk Communication
Authors: Tzioutzios Dimitrios , Suarez-Paba Maria Camila , Luo Xiaolong , Cruz Ana Maria 
Published: November 2024

Risk communication and information disclosure regarding chemical accidents entail the provision of relevant information to communities potentially affected by such incidents. This enables communities to comprehend the hazards and risks associated with nearby hazardous installations and to take appropriate actions during emergencies. This aspect of community preparedness is crucial in the context of technological accidents caused by natural hazards, often involving the release of hazardous materials. Such Natech risks have garnered considerable attention from both researchers and practitioners in the field of risk communication.

Over the years, there has been a concerted effort by disaster risk researchers and practitioners to foster a cooperative environment between institutions and communities based on principles of transparency and effective communication. The turn of the century witnessed an increasing focus on Natech risks, with high-profile events such as the Kocaeli earthquake in Turkey (1999), Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in the United States (2004), and the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami coupled with the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear accident (2011). These events heightened academic interest in Natech risks and spurred research efforts into their identification, assessment, and management. As the systemic challenges, uncertainties, and complexities of managing Natech accident risks became apparent, the academic field of risk communication expanded its focus. Research evolved from examining risk perception, household evacuation behavior, and disaster preparedness to encompass broader topics such as risk-informed decision-making through transparency and community engagement.

Despite the establishment of regulatory frameworks like the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act in the United States and the Seveso Directives in the European Union, international organizations emphasize the need for further advancements in chemical accident risk information disclosure. Initiatives advocating for the right to know highlight the importance of community preparedness and empowerment in addressing chemical accidents. Analysis of regulatory frameworks governing chemical and Natech risk management and communication can provide valuable insights into global practices. Issues concerning citizen participation and entitlement to information have become increasingly important in disaster risk management studies.

Going forward, there is a need for additional research to understand the perspectives of stakeholders involved in Natech risk and to assess the impact of their interactions on perceptions and behaviors. A nuanced understanding of how individuals seek and exchange information regarding Natech risk, as well as the effects of different communication channels on disaster preparedness behavior, is essential. Moreover, there is still much to explore in terms of community perceptions and communication strategies concerning Natech risks. The disclosure of chemical and Natech risk information raises significant ethical considerations regarding community preparedness, warranting rigorous academic scrutiny. By adopting a multifaceted approach encompassing scholarly inquiry, ethical deliberation, and practical engagement, the discourse on Natech risk communication can significantly advance societal resilience against emergent threats.