Multi-hazards in Scandinavia: impacts and risks from compound heatwaves, droughts and wildfires

This research shows the importance of ripple effects of multi-hazards, specifically compound heatwave, drought and wildfire, and that forest management and a better understanding of their direct and indirect societal impacts are vital to reducing the risks of heat-related multi-hazards in vulnerable areas. To better understand the interplay of heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires across sectors, and to support disaster risk management in multi-hazard settings, the authors analyze their occurrence in Scandinavia using a spatial assessment of compound events. 

In the summer of 2018, large parts of Scandinavia faced record-breaking heat and drought, leading to increased mortality, agricultural water shortages, hydropower deficits, and higher energy prices. The 2018 heatwave coupled with droughts leading to wildfires are described as multi-hazard events, defined as compounding, cascading or consecutive events. Climate change is driving an increase in heat-related events and, subsequently, shows the necessity to prepare for such hazards, and to assess suitable mitigation strategies. That year's multi-hazard events led to a 0.08 % GDP drop in Scandinavia, with forestry experiencing a 3.04 % decline, affecting agriculture, electricity, and forestry exports, which dropped by 29.39 %, impacting Europe's trade balance.