Interdisciplinary Engagement of People and Place Around Extreme Weather

Abstract

Extreme weather poses many challenges regardless of the specific environment. This chapter explores how extreme weather impacts people within their particular geographies by applying a new community engagement model. It answers the question, why consider space, place and community in the planning process for extreme weather? This chapter examines how people and place interact to influence community responses to extreme weather. An interdisciplinary community engagement strategy is presented as the best practice to establish effective engagement (communication and interaction) with people before extreme weather strikes. This requires meaningful social networks and trust with communities before planning, action and policy can be created. The best way to achieve meaningful community engagement is by employing a place-based interdisciplinary engagement strategy that builds on local culture, strengths and knowledge.