Mountain hazards: understanding the key risk drivers beyond climate change

Despite major efforts, losses from mountain hazards continue to increase. While climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of many hazards, other factors such as changes in exposure and vulnerability are still poorly understood. This session will explore these factors and aim to assess key risk drivers beyond climate change. Exposure, a critical element of risk assessment, is likely to increase with the expansion of settlements and industrial activities. However, information on the spatio-temporal dynamics of exposure at different scales remains limited. To accurately quantify the evolving risk, these data need to be analysed together with the effectiveness of existing mitigation measures. This analysis will contribute to discussions on the impacts of climate change on exposed communities, particularly in the context of shared socio-economic pathways (SSPs). Another key objective is to understand the vulnerability of elements at risk in order to reduce future losses. Current models of vulnerability need to be further validated by empirical data, experiments and alternative assessment methods. The integration of observational data and additional dimensions of vulnerability, including institutional vulnerability, is also essential. We invite contributions that integrate exposure analysis, vulnerability assessment and adaptation strategies. The session will focus on interactions between landscape processes and human activities in mountain areas, promoting adaptive approaches to risk management. Contributions should aim to identify key risk drivers behind natural hazard losses through a comprehensive examination of risk components.