Understanding Social and Environmental Hazards in Urban Areas: An Analysis from Barranquilla, Colombia

Abstract

The present research aims to understand the challenges faced by a Colombian city in the context of multidimensional risk scenarios, given the existing demographic and socio-economic conditions and local perspectives and perceptions regarding socio-environmental risks. The research was undertaken in the city of Barranquilla, northern Colombia. A survey was designed to analyze (1) the general socio-economic and vulnerability conditions of a communities’ sample, (2) information related to hazards and disaster risk in their neighbourhoods, and (3) information on actions to mitigate risk. Three hundred and ninety-one people were surveyed. Likert scale and Pearson's Chi-square test and descriptive, inferential statistical methods, regression models, and the Mann–Whitney U test were used to process the results. Respondents lived, in general, under precarious socio-economic conditions (such as low income or lack of infrastructure and others). Given socio-environmental constraints, the research revealed that hazards such as urban stream flooding and robbery were the most negatively associated with the respondent’s quality of life. Regarding the actions to avoid losses, 84% of respondents had not implemented any preventive action. Respondents also have low awareness of the need to implement risk prevention actions. Social risks and the configuration of anthropic hazards stand out as principal centres for concern.

Risk Perception and Communication in the Porto Region (PR), Portugal

“…In this sense, a number of authors consider sociodemographic characteristics as important factors in perception in studies on risk perception, including age, gender, educational level, and income [9,36]. Some studies suggest, especially in urban areas, that the most disadvantaged population, both from an economic and housing point of view, tends to increase the perception of risk and take fewer preventive actions [37]. In our study, regarding the level of education, respondents with higher education show a better perception of risk than respondents with a lower educational level.…”

Menggalang Solidaritas Sosial: Pengaruh Kepedulian Sosial dalam Mengatasi Tantangan Lingkungan di Daerah Rentan Bencana (Studi di Kabupaten Cianjur)

“…Masyarakat yang tinggal di daerah rawan bencana mungkin memiliki kesadaran yang rendah akan perlunya menerapkan tindakan pencegahan risiko (Martínez-González et al, 2021).…”

“…Mengatasi kurangnya kesadaran ini dapat membantu meningkatkan kesiapsiagaan dan mengurangi dampak bencana lingkungan. Risiko sosial, seperti perampokan, dapat memberikan dampak negatif yang signifikan terhadap kualitas hidup di daerah yang rentan terhadap bencana (Martínez-González et al, 2021).…”

“…Mengatasi tantangan lingkungan di daerah yang rentan terhadap bencana dan juga mempertimbangkan masalah sosial membutuhkan pendekatan komprehensif yang mempertimbangkan konteks spesifik dari setiap daerah. Melibatkan masyarakat setempat sangat penting untuk memahami kebutuhan dan kekhawatiran mereka secara spesifik, dan untuk mengembangkan solusi khusus yang dapat mengatasi tantangan lingkungan dan sosial (Martínez-González et al, 2021). Hal ini dapat dilakukan dengan melakukan survei, kelompok diskusi terarah, dan bentuk-bentuk konsultasi dengan masyarakat untuk mengumpulkan informasi dan umpan balik.…”