PhD Topic/Title: Global analysis of emergency service provision to vulnerable populations during floods of various magnitude under climate change
Research
In a world of increasing global flood hazards, vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected by flooding due to low self-reliance, weak political voice and insufficient inclusion into climate adaptation and emergency response plans. These individuals account for most flood casualties and often rely on emergency services due to flood induced injuries, exacerbated medical conditions, and requiring evacuative assistance. However, emergency service demand often exceeds the potential capacity whilst flooded roads and short emergency response timeframes decrease accessibility, service area, and population coverage. Sarah’s PhD research aims to identify vulnerability ‘hotspots’ of global populations in terms of emergency service provision during floods of various magnitude under climate change.