Similar to the current global paradigm of Climate Change (CC), there was also a need in Portugal to create adaptive processes and resilience in the face of increasing extreme phenomena. The Civil Protection (CP) activity is fundamental for the prevention and control of collective risks of natural origin. With the increasing occurrence of natural hazards, it is necessary to adapt CP operational models for preparedness, adaptation and mitigation. Due to its geophysical and climatic characterization, the Portuguese mainland presents conditions conducive to the occurrence of extreme natural events, favoured by the effects of CC. Preparation for all types of climatic-atmospheric phenomena, especially episodes of extreme heat caused by CC, should be at the center of discussion and concern of local and national governments. This study aims to assess what are the main concerns and weaknesses, as well as the level of knowledge and preparation of the Municipal Civil Protection Services (MCPS) in terms of climate adaptation and responses to the quality of life of the population. For the purposes of the study, a questionnaire survey was conducted with 72 municipal CP officials in mainland Portugal to obtain primary data between March and June 2024. The ArcGIS Survey 123 was used to collect the main opinions. The pre-test took place on March 12, 2024, with 7 people, which allowed to measure (i) the average response time; (ii) the change of the software to be used; (iii) the rewording of sections and questions to reduce the average response time (5 min). This questionnaire survey consists of 20 questions divided into 3 sections and had the following objectives: (i) the respondent's opinion on the performance of the MCPS on the effects of CC; (ii) the implementation of territorial management instruments for adaptation, action and mitigation to CC; (iii) the degree of importance of awareness and education of MCPS. After data collection and processing, in a universe of 278 MCPS, a total of 72 responses allows us to conclude that there is still a need to reconfigure civil protection in terms of the application of operational measures and actions. The proposed methodology could be very useful for researchers in the field of civil protection and policy makers, since it contributes with adaptive measures regarding the integration in adaptation and mitigation policies.

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Knowledge and Preparation of the Civil Protection Services in the Climate Change Adaptation in Mainland Portugal

  • P. F. Silva,
  • R. Dantas,
  • H. S. Lopes,
  • P. Remoaldo

摘要

Similar to the current global paradigm of Climate Change (CC), there was also a need in Portugal to create adaptive processes and resilience in the face of increasing extreme phenomena. The Civil Protection (CP) activity is fundamental for the prevention and control of collective risks of natural origin. With the increasing occurrence of natural hazards, it is necessary to adapt CP operational models for preparedness, adaptation and mitigation. Due to its geophysical and climatic characterization, the Portuguese mainland presents conditions conducive to the occurrence of extreme natural events, favoured by the effects of CC. Preparation for all types of climatic-atmospheric phenomena, especially episodes of extreme heat caused by CC, should be at the center of discussion and concern of local and national governments. This study aims to assess what are the main concerns and weaknesses, as well as the level of knowledge and preparation of the Municipal Civil Protection Services (MCPS) in terms of climate adaptation and responses to the quality of life of the population. For the purposes of the study, a questionnaire survey was conducted with 72 municipal CP officials in mainland Portugal to obtain primary data between March and June 2024. The ArcGIS Survey 123 was used to collect the main opinions. The pre-test took place on March 12, 2024, with 7 people, which allowed to measure (i) the average response time; (ii) the change of the software to be used; (iii) the rewording of sections and questions to reduce the average response time (5 min). This questionnaire survey consists of 20 questions divided into 3 sections and had the following objectives: (i) the respondent's opinion on the performance of the MCPS on the effects of CC; (ii) the implementation of territorial management instruments for adaptation, action and mitigation to CC; (iii) the degree of importance of awareness and education of MCPS. After data collection and processing, in a universe of 278 MCPS, a total of 72 responses allows us to conclude that there is still a need to reconfigure civil protection in terms of the application of operational measures and actions. The proposed methodology could be very useful for researchers in the field of civil protection and policy makers, since it contributes with adaptive measures regarding the integration in adaptation and mitigation policies.