Abstract
Abstract. Scholars have unravelled the complexities and underlying uncertainties in coupled human and water systems in various fields and disciplines. These complexities, however, are not always reflected in the way in which the dynamics of human–water systems are modelled. One reason is the lack of social data time series, which may be provided by longitudinal surveys. Here, we show the value of collecting longitudinal survey data to enrich sociohydrological modelling of flood risk. To illustrate, we compare and contrast two different approaches (repeated cross-sectional and panel) for collecting longitudinal data and explore changes in flood risk awareness and preparedness in a municipality hit by a flash flood in 2018. We found that risk awareness has not changed significantly in the timeframe under study (1 year). Perceived preparedness increased only among those respondents who suffered low damage during the flood event. We also found gender differences across both approaches for most of the variables explored. Lastly, we argue that results that are consistent across the two approaches can be used for the parametrisation of sociohydrological models. We posit that there is a need to enhance the representation of socio-demographic heterogeneity in modelling human–water systems in order to better support risk management.
Highlights
Numerous scholars have engaged with the study of coupled human and water systems in various research fields and disciplines, including environmental history, sociology, and philosophy as well as ecological economics, philosophy of science, socio-ecological systems, and sociohydrology (e.g. Aldrete, 2007; Di Baldassarre et al, 2019; Folke et al, 2005; Hoffmann et al, 2020; Kallis and Norgaard, 2010; Liu et al, 2007; Ostrom, 2009; Schlüter et al, 2012; Sivapalan et al, 2012)
We argue that consistent results about the change in risk awareness and perceived preparedness will provide additional evidence to be employed in sociohydrology and inform disaster risk communication strategies and policies
We argue that consistent results about the change in risk awareness and perceived preparedness provide robust data to be employed in human–water system modelling as well as in policy decision support
Summary
Numerous scholars have engaged with the study of coupled human and water systems in various research fields and disciplines, including environmental history, sociology, and philosophy as well as ecological economics, philosophy of science, socio-ecological systems, and sociohydrology (e.g. Aldrete, 2007; Di Baldassarre et al, 2019; Folke et al, 2005; Hoffmann et al, 2020; Kallis and Norgaard, 2010; Liu et al, 2007; Ostrom, 2009; Schlüter et al, 2012; Sivapalan et al, 2012). Things that happened in the past shape current behaviours, and they must be taken into account To this end, it would be optimal to have a research approach that provides us with a “video” of the process, but since this is obviously not feasible, the best option is to take multiple pictures over time and detect potential differences. Potentially misleading results from cross-sectional studies could end up in wrong policy recommendations In light of these characteristics, the need for longitudinal data has been highlighted by a number of scholars in the natural hazards field (Babcicky and Seebauer, 2017; Di Baldassarre et al, 2018b; Fielding, 2012; Lindell and Perry, 2000; Spence et al, 2011; Terpstra, 2011; van Duinen et al, 2015). Even though a large majority of scholars within sociohydrology acknowledge this lack of longitudinal data, the majority of empirical studies within the flood risk domain adopt a cross-sectional approach (a review in Kellens et al, 2013), and empirical studies that adopt a longitudinal approach are still rather scarce (Barendrecht et al, 2019; Hudson et al, 2020)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
