For the first time, Greenland is adopting a standardized model for assessing the risks associated with settlements in areas prone to natural hazards. The purpose is to ensure that a uniform model is used to assess whether it is safe to stay for short or long periods in natural areas at risk of rockslides, tsunamis, floods, snow avalanches, or earthquakes. The model ensures that the risk of incidents is calculated equally regardless of the area.
Managing natural disasters is a joint effort at multiple levels in Greenland, ranging from local emergency response teams to the Self-Government. This applies to preventive measures, crisis management, and the evaluation phase. Therefore, Naalakkersuisut has decided on a comprehensive model for assessing whether areas at risk of natural disasters are suitable for residential and commercial use, among other things, as well as what emergency preparedness initiatives this requires.
“The risks associated with rockslides, floods, and other natural hazards must be at a level that is acceptable to society while also ensuring development in Greenland. With the chosen model, we ensure a high level of safety without imposing overly strict regulations that would hinder development in the affected communities,” says Naalakkersuisoq for Housing, Infrastructure, Outlying Districts, and Emergency Preparedness, Iddimanngiiu Jensen Bianco.
“A consistent approach to risk acceptance ensures that various natural risks are managed in the same way throughout all inhabited areas of Greenland. This ensures an equitable approach to risk based on informed decision-making,” says Naalakkersuisoq for Foreign Affairs, Business, and Mineral Resources Múte B. Egede.
It will never be possible to achieve absolute safety from landslides, floods, or other natural hazards in society, but natural hazards can be mitigated through monitoring, planning, communication, learning, and practice.
A consistent approach to natural hazards ensures that risks in the areas in question can be compared with one another and are managed consistently.
The decision regarding the model selected for assessing risks in vulnerable areas is based on an analysis conducted by a core group consisting of specialists in geology and natural sciences, with input from external experts from Switzerland and the United States, among other countries. The core group has developed guidelines tailored to Greenland.
The model draws on experiences from Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
