A supply chain framework for characterizing indirect vulnerability

Purpose Climate vulnerability assessments are often operationalized by the analysis of indicators defined by the spatial boundaries of the community under study. These, however, sometimes fail to capture interdependency among communities for basic resources. This paper aims to propose a framework for characterizing vulnerability caused by interdependency by adapting a supply chain lens. Design/methodology/approach The paper proposes a definition for “indirect vulnerability” that recognizes the transboundary and teleconnected nature of vulnerability arising from resource networks among cities and communities. A conceptual framework using a supply chain approach is presented for climate hazards in particular. This approach is then demonstrated through a rapid appraisal of the rice, energy and water supply chains and the waste management chains of Metro Manila. Findings The application of the supply chain lens to assessing the indirect vulnerability of Metro Manila brings to fore issues extending beyond the decision-making boundaries of local government units. Addressing these will require vertical government coordination and horizontal inter-sectoral collaboration. Thus, this supply chain-based indirect vulnerability assessment can be complementary to traditional vulnerability assessments in providing a larger systems perspective. Originality/value Innovative tools are needed to make community vulnerability assessments both holistic and tractable. Existing methods in the private sector can be adapted rather than reinventing the wheel. This supply chain framework can be a useful decision support and planning tool across governance levels to comprehensively address vulnerability

Advancements in Enhancing Resilience of Electrical Distribution Systems: A Review on Frameworks, Metrics, and Technological Innovations

This comprehensive review paper explores power system resilience, emphasizing its evolution, comparison with reliability, and conducting a thorough analysis of the definition and characteristics of resilience. The paper presents the resilience frameworks and the application of quantitative power system resilience metrics to assess and quantify resilience. Additionally, it investigates the relevance of complex network theory in the context of power system resilience. An integral part of this review involves examining the incorporation of data-driven techniques in enhancing power system resilience. This includes the role of data-driven methods in enhancing power system resilience and predictive analytics. Further, the paper explores the recent techniques employed for resilience enhancement, which includes planning and operational techniques. Also, a detailed explanation of microgrid (MG) deployment, renewable energy integration, and peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading in fortifying power systems against disruptions is provided. An analysis of existing research gaps and challenges is discussed for future directions toward improvements in power system resilience. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of power system resilience is provided, which helps in improving the ability of distribution systems to withstand and recover from extreme events and disruptions

FROM SCIENCE TO PLANNING: NEGOTIATING CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION IN LAND USE PLANNING IN QUY NHON CITY, VIETNAM

Ph.D. Thesis. University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa 2018

A Comprehensive Framework based on Dynamic and Steady State Analysis to Evaluate Power System Resiliency to Extreme Weather Conditions

Power system robustness against high impact low probability events is becoming a major concern. To depict distinct phases of a system response during these disturbances, an irregular polygon model is derived from the conventional trapezoid model and the model is analytically investigated for transmission system performance, based on which resiliency metrics are developed for the same. Furthermore, the system resiliency to windstorm is evaluated on the IEEE reliability test system (RTS) by performing steady state and dynamic security assessment incorporating protection modelling and corrective action schemes using the software Power System Simulator for Engineering (PSS/E). Based on the results of steady state and dynamic analysis, modified resiliency metrics are quantified. Finally, this paper quantifies the interdependency of operational and infrastructure resiliency as they cannot be considered as discrete characteristics of the system.Comment: 8 page

VULNERABILITY ANALYSIS OF GUAM’S DEFENSE POSTURE

Since the end of the Second World War, Guam has served as a linchpin of U.S. military power in the Indo-Pacific. As the United States’ westernmost territory in the world, Guam has been lauded as the place where America’s day begins. However, with its strategic importance and abundance of military combat power, Guam may be where America’s next war begins. Following decades of reform and modernization, the People’s Liberation Army presents a significant threat to the preeminence of U.S. military power in the region. This study uses a structured vulnerability analysis based on the principles of risk analysis, reliability engineering, adversarial analysis, and safety engineering to identify Guam’s critical vulnerabilities and formulate recommendations that enhance the territory’s defense posture. This study finds that Guam’s missile defense posture constitutes the island’s most significant vulnerability and recommends that congressional budgetary initiatives must remain focused on enhancing Guam’s missile defense capability and hardening defense infrastructure throughout the Pacific territories. Should modern warfare reach the shores of Guam, the U.S. military will have to fight for Guam before it can fight from it.Outstanding ThesisLieutenant, United States NavyApproved for public release. Distribution is unlimited

Reaching the intersection of Indigenous and modern: A critical analysis of disaster risk management modernization in Ivatan Indigenous communities

Known for their Indigenous knowledge, systems, and practices (IKSPs) in managing disaster risks, the Ivatans of Batanes Province in the Philippines are faced with the pressures of modernizing such generations-old traditions. While noble in intent, the technologically-driven narrative of managing disaster risks idealized by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) brings to question the change it influences on Ivatan Indigenous communities. The intersection between Ivatan IKSPs and the NDRRMC’s initiatives reflected epistemological contrasts of positivist vis-à-vis constructivist approaches that warranted a critical view. Drawing new understanding and knowledge using the critical paradigm required an Action Research-driven methodology. Specific data gathering and collaboration methods included desk research; validation of an Ivatan DRRM IKSP inventory; FGDs and workshops that delved into understanding community and Local DRRM Council perceptions and critiques; and a workshop to craft recommendations for integrating Indigenous and scientific resiliency systems. Research findings pointed out hegemonic, top- down-centric policies that insisted outsider-oriented, technical solutions that were ineffective to the local context and were potentially damaging to traditional cultural systems and practices of resiliency. However, Ivatans were also faced with endogenous agencies such as the strong thrust for modernity through technology that may potentially wane traditional resiliency practices. Outcomes from community workshops also revealed a paradigm shift in society to integrate the scientific and traditional as a continuous evolution of IKSPs and resiliency in light of the increasing threat of climate change disruptions.

Resilience in Floating Offshore Wind Turbines: A Scoping Review

Background With climate change a looming global threat, offshore wind energy is a vital resource, and floating offshore wind turbines (FOWT) are essential to capture its full potential. Unfortunately, high operations and maintenance expenses pose an obstacle to widespread implementation of FOWT. Reducing maintenance needs by limiting FOWT damage or failure in harsh environments will undoubtedly contribute to lowering costs and to improving on-site personnel safety. Resilience, an important concept in the field of risk management, may be instrumental in achieving these goals. Objective The objective of this thesis was to develop a thorough understanding of how resilience is understood and its applications to FOWT design and operation. The following issues were of greatest interest: the degree to which FOWT literature addresses resilience, the various interpretations and definitions of resilience that are employed in FOWT research, and how those definitions of resilience are applied to FOWT. These issues and objectives led to the question this thesis sought to answer, in order to map the knowledge and potential gaps in FOWT resilience research: How is resilience understood and applied in the context of FOWT design and operation? Methodology In order to answer this research question, a scoping review was conducted, in which two databases – ScienceDirect and GreenFILE – were searched for sources that discussed resilience with respect to FOWT. In accordance with the JBI scoping review methodology, a search and screening strategy, including search terms and inclusion criteria, was determined in advance. The multi-stage screening process ensured that all relevant sources were included, and the entire process is described in such a way as to be transparent and repeatable. Results Thirteen sources, consisting of twelve articles and one report, were found to meet the inclusion criteria, and these were thematically analyzed in order to investigate the definitions/interpretations and applications of resilience to FOWT technology. Several trends were discovered among the included sources, including a dominant engineering perspective and a glaring lack of explicit resilience definitions. Despite this lack of definitions, however, several interpretations of resilience were found to be used among the thirteen sources, and these are discussed in depth. Furthermore, the various applications of resilience to FOWT were mapped in order to identify popular topics, and these findings were compared to trends noted elsewhere in the literature. Conclusions The results of this review provide valuable insight into the main interpretations of resilience that are used in relation to FOWT. They also provide a solid foundation for future work and for improvements in FOWT resilience research. Among these are the need for a clear definition of resilience in FOWT studies and the potential benefits that could come from the development of a risk management approach to enhance the strong engineering perspective within the field of FOWT resilience research

Health-Related Emergency Disaster Risk Management (Health-EDRM)

Disasters such as earthquakes, cyclones, floods, heat waves, nuclear accidents, and large scale pollution incidents take lives and cause exceptionally large health problems. The majority of large-scale disasters affect the most vulnerable populations, which are often comprised of people of extreme ages, in remote living areas, with endemic poverty, and with low literacy. Health-related emergency disaster risk management (Health-EDRM) [1] refers to the systematic analysis and management of health risks surrounding emergencies and disasters; it plays an important role in reducing hazards and vulnerability along with extending preparedness, response, and recovery measures. This concept encompasses risk analyses and interventions, such as accessible early warning systems, timely deployment of relief workers, and the provision of suitable drugs and medical equipment, to decrease the impact of disaster on people before, during, and after disaster events. Disaster risk profiling and interventions can be at the personal/household, community, and system/political levels; they can be targeted at specific health risks including respiratory issues caused by indoor burning, re-emergence of infectious disease due to low vaccination coverage, and gastrointestinal problems resulting from unregulated waste management. Unfortunately, there has been a major gap in the scientific literature regarding Health-EDRM. The aim of this Special Issue of IJERPH was to present papers describing/reporting the latest disaster and health risk analyses, as well as interventions for health-related disaster risk management, in an effort to address this gap and facilitate major global policies and initiatives for disaster risk reduction