Framework for Implementing Risk-Sensitive Urban Development

Roslan, Ahmad Farhan

Abstract

Risk-sensitive urban development is an innovative approach that can help cities reduce risk by mainstreaming climate change adaptation (CCA) and disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies into urban development. However, the potential for such an approach has not materialised due to several underlying challenges that limit the successful execution of this approach. These challenges must be fully understood and addressed to initiate a shift towards risk-sensitive urban development.

This study employed a phenomenological approach supported by abductive reasoning captured from existing theory, prior knowledge, and the untold story of specific phenomena informed by human experience and perspectives in climate, disaster, and urban fields. Design science was used to develop the framework through an iterative process using different types of triangulations to increase the credibility and validity of the research. The principle of pragmatic inquiry emphasises the importance of refining the framework through real-world testing and feedback. Therefore, the study used 19 experts from 10 key relevant organisations involved in DRR, CCA, and urban development processes in Malaysia to gather diverse perspectives and insights.

Multiple triangulations aided with computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software (CQDAS), namely ATLAS.ti 23, were used in this study. Thematic analysis was employed to capture textual data sets from the systematic review, document analysis and in-depth interviews, which answered the research questions. A causal loop diagram (CLD) analysis was undertaken to understand complex causal relationships described by the informants by constructing a binary data co-occurrence matrix that identifies and assesses the sub-theme relationships. This approach helped identify key factors and their influence on each other, contributing to a more comprehensive data analysis.

The findings of this research indicate that the governance issue was a critical factor hindering the implementation of a risk-sensitive approach with limited power-sharing and synergies between stakeholders working across sectors and different levels of government. Managing trade-offs among multiple stakeholders was observed to be conflicting, affecting the importance of achieving successful and equitable outcomes. Therefore, strengthening multi-stakeholder collaboration and establishing coordinated action could offer opportunities to overcome those issues and promote a more effective risk-sensitive approach.

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: May 1, 2024
• Award Date: May 31, 2024