SOCIETAL VULNERABILITY TO CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE FAILURE DUE TO EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS

The growing hazard of extreme weather events which have been observed especially since 1970s calls for increased concern to research of approaches to measuring societal vulnerability. This paper discusses the issues of societal vulnerability due to impact of extreme weathers events on critical infrastructure. Extreme weather events are among the most pressing environmental risks and the first top global risk in terms of the likelihood. The paper underlines the importance of critical infrastructure as an asset or system whose disruption or destruction could have a range of serious implications for the performance of economic and social functions of the state and thus on the inhabitants in terms of their life, health, security, property and environment protection. It provides selection of past cases of extreme weather events having impacts on critical infrastructure in sector energy and transportation throughout Europe and their impacts on society. Subsequently own approach to measuring societal vulnerability due to impact of extreme weather event on critical infrastructure is presented. In conclusion recommendations supporting the proactive approach to building resilient critical infrastructure which contributes to resilient society are presented.