Risk Communication/Issuance of Risk Warnings with Respect to Air Pollution: Assessment of Actions Undertaken by the Government Authorities in Guadalajara, Mexico

Abstract

ISEE-0116 Background and Objective: Society today faces an increase in high levels of exposure and risk to causes associated to air pollution. The local government’s ability to respond to environmental threats is often surpassed, as is their ability to prevent, reduce and eliminate such risks. The aim of this research is to assess governmental action in communicating and issuing risk warnings in an area with high levels of exposure to air pollution. Methods: We followed a methodology based on ideal models, which has no point of reference in reality. Such ideal models are defined by the characteristics and values of the elements which determine an appropriate communication of the presence of risks. The elements of analysis are: citizen involvement; planning of the communication process and the message; the means of communication and the information. Results: Current practices related to risk communication reveal several important weaknesses with respect to governmental agencies: citizens are viewed simply as the recipients of the information; the strategy does not define target groups; citizen involvement is not incorporated into the planning process; there is no clear definition of the problem to be addressed nor of the periods for execution of the strategy; the messages do not take into consideration the specific population they are addressing nor their information needs; there is no action regarding assessment of the risk communication's effectiveness and its impact on the population. Governmental practices center on undertaking actions that are not linked to the causes of the air pollution problem and protection measures necessary to reduce the community's exposure and vulnerability. Conclusion: The situation found in risk communication processes is the result of a lack in human, organizational and institutional skills and abilities. It is necessary to work at three basic levels: human resources; organizational change and institutional reform.