Reducing risk together: moving towards a more holistic approach to multi-hazard and multi-risk assessment and management

This perspective paper reflects on progress made toward adopting a more holistic approach to disaster risk management based on multi-hazard and multi-risk frameworks. Building on a six-point research agenda proposed in 2022, the paper synthesizes insights from the MYRIAD-EU project (2021–2025) and examines the opportunities and challenges encountered while advancing this agenda. The study highlights the importance of better understanding interactions between hazards, exposure, and vulnerability, and emphasizes the need to strengthen concepts, definitions, and methods for assessing complex and interconnected risks.

The authors identify several priorities to improve multi-hazard and multi-risk assessment and management. These include developing stronger evidence on how risks evolve across space and time, improving tools and methods for modeling current and future multi-hazard scenarios, and making these tools more accessible for decision-makers. The paper also stresses the importance of incorporating equity considerations in disaster risk reduction and adaptation, expanding case studies through co-produced research, strengthening multi-hazard early warning systems, and supporting leadership opportunities for early-career researchers. Together, these actions can help advance more integrated and effective disaster risk management approaches.