Natural hazards

Natural hazards, such as earthquakes, floods and wildfires, rarely occur in isolation. We investigate how they interact with environmental processes and generate cascading and compound risks, which can trigger severe chemical, technological, and environmental crises. To address this complex challenge, we combine cross-disciplinary expertise in atmospheric science, water quality, geochemistry, pollution, and environmental modelling within a coupled socio-environmental framework.

Our research is centered into these four pillars: 

Integrated multi-hazard and multi-risk frameworks. We develop methodologies for multi-hazard assessment, management, governance, and resilience under global change.

Cascading hazard interactions and environmental impacts. We investigate the complex interactions between geological, hydrometeorological, environmental, and pollution-related hazards.

Exposure, vulnerability, and predictive systems. We evaluate the exposure, vulnerability, and resilience of ecosystems, infrastructures, and human populations by developing Decision Support Systems, AI-assisted predictive analytics, scenario analysis, and early-warning systems. 

Adaptive governance and interdisciplinary integration. We co-develop risk governance strategies and operational tools alongside stakeholders and policymakers, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration within IDAEA to advance holistic multi-risk assessment and resilience frameworks.