Balancing Risk and Protection: Exploring the Interactions Between the Preventive and Reactive Systems in Swedish Land use Planning

As society evolves, so do the risks we face. Emerging challenges like sustainable development and climate change adaptation intensify these risks within an interconnected, complex environment with conflicting objectives. Effective risk management in this context requires balancing risk and protection by integrating preventive land use planning with reactive emergency response systems. Integrating systems requires mutual feedback between the actors to enhance understanding and broaden perspectives in risk assessments, thereby contributing to a more holistic approach. This study explores the prevalence of risk-related feedback among Swedish land use planners, rescue services, and crisis management professionals through a questionnaire survey. The findings reveal imbalances in feedback, risk-related knowledge, and perceived gaps between the preventive and reactive systems. Despite these challenges, incentives exist for more uniform collaboration. Enhanced coordination, communication, and awareness of the benefits of a holistic approach could strengthen the practical utility of risk analyses and improve preparedness for societal changes.

Keywords: Risk analysis, Risk management, Survey, Land use planning, Crisis management, Fire and rescue service.