Plenary
Geographies Of Urban Disaster: Developed Country Wildfire Risk Management in a Warmer World

Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Interlocken A/B

Urban hazards and vulnerability research has focused largely on situations in developing countries, whereas developed countries face their own challenges. The traits of urban vulnerability to natural hazards are multiplying as many cities sprawl into ecosystems becoming increasingly fire prone because of global climate change. The result is the intersection of largely unknown patterns of urban vulnerability and unpredictable natural hazards with an enhanced risk of catastrophic events that challenges both community-based approaches and recovery processes.

A range of strategies are available to manage this risk, but any strategy must deal with issues of cost, leadership, and community expectations. The fires in the Australian state of Victoria early this year highlight many of these issues. The session will examine these trends and comment on the possible implications of the Victoria fires.

John Handmer, Moderator
RMIT University Centre for Risk and Community Safety

Sarah McCaffrey, Panelist
U.S. Forest Service

Richard Thornton, Panelist
Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre

Alan Rhodes, Panelist
Country Fire Authority of Victoria

Damien Killalea, Panelist
Tasmania Fire Service