Targeting the Sendai priorities, a vision paper the DKKV contributed to, Zuccaro et al. (2018) put forward as a main outcome of the ESPREssO project and identified research needs and emerging cross-cutting issues for future research in DRR and CCA. This is also in line with the IRDR Research Framework for Global Science in support of Risk-Informed Sustainable Development and Planetary Health (ISC-UNDRR-IRDR, 2021).

Table 1Step changes and research needs along the priorities of the SFDRR.

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Several step changes in terms of improved understanding of disaster risk emerge, as displayed in the Table 1 above. As risk is composed of the elements of hazard, vulnerability, and exposure, interdisciplinary research with a systemic and integrative perspective is needed. In this regard, scientifically addressing all elements of risk is fully consistent with the societal need for improved risk and impact assessments as well as improved data for decision-making on a resilient future. Improved data entails harmonization of data collection, its effective management, and continuous updating. These are fundamental for more detailed and advanced simulations and impact assessments (e.g. Kaewunruen et al., 2021; Losier et al., 2019; Peichl et al., 2021). Co-creation of knowledge with all involved actors and communities can increase the overall awareness of and preparedness for risk through efficient communication and dissemination platforms. A multi-level approach and data-driven decision-making process are needed to further strengthen risk governance to manage disaster risk. This implies the effective implementation of community governance with continuous consultation with impacted communities at the local, national, and international level. Moreover, at the policy level, existing synergies between DRR, CCA, and SDGs should be enhanced and expanded, with the aim to improve the legal framework for sustainable and holistic decision-making. This applies to all components of the disaster risk management cycle. Equally important is an international transboundary cooperation for long-term joint preparedness, adaptation, and mitigation of risk. The same applies to joint emergency management, response coordination, and a sustained recovery. The DKKV for example is fostering European exchange on transformations towards a sustainable and resilient future by organising events with national platforms from France (Association française pour la prévention des catastrophes naturelles et technologiques, AFPCNT) and Austria (Disaster Competence Network Austria, DCNA).

In this regard, enhanced partnerships and improved legal frameworks, procedures, and tools represent an important step change for knowledge-based decision-making. An additional step change must be geared toward investing in DRR for resilience. Due to the multiple emerging risk conditions societies are facing, it is crucial to overcome the implementation gap in DRR and CCA in order to strengthen resilience. Best practices tested through community action in DRR and CCA need greater national and international visibility through more effective dissemination and application. Investing in scientific research and production of knowledge on natural hazards, vulnerabilities, and exposure will help anticipate and better prepare for increased risk situations and increase resilience. This is fully consistent with enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response and with “Build Back Better” in recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction.

To optimize the available resources in an integrative way, a widespread adoption of “Build Back Better” principles is essential to allow greater flexibility of measures and actions for DRR and CCA. Thus, reconstruction after major disaster events, such as the floods in Germany in 2021, requires scientific advice and assessment of future risks and impacts to allow for risk-informed and participative decision-making. As a consequence, two projects on sustainable reconstruction were recently funded by the German Ministry for Research and Education. Furthermore, early warning systems need a step change, both technologically and organizationally, to enhance disaster preparedness. Recent positive developments in Germany include, for example, lowering of the legal barriers for the national government to provide coordination in regional and state-level disaster events as well as the upcoming implementation of a cell broadcasting alert system. Communication with the public represents a crucial factor, which needs to be improved, considering societal values and human behaviours while protecting vulnerable communities and ensuring the transparency in decision-making. Serious games have proven to be an effective tool for the communication of complex issues in a playful environment while at the same time helping to break up silo thinking. The DKKV uses RAMSETE III (Booth et al., 2020; Fleming et al., 2020) and other gaming approaches in workshops for decision-makers and researchers to communicate the challenges of decision-making under uncertain risk conditions.

As climate change and disasters do not respect political borders, developing transboundary international coordination and cooperation mechanisms that take into account emerging risks increases the overall resilience.