Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2844
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2844
19 Sep 2024
 | 19 Sep 2024

Impact Webs: A novel conceptual modelling approach for characterising and assessing complex risks

Edward Sparkes, Davide Cotti, Angel Valdiviezo Ajila, Saskia E. Werners, and Michael Hagenlocher

Abstract. Identifying, characterising and assessing the complex nature of risks is vital to realise the expected outcome of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. Over the past two decades, the conceptualization of risk has evolved from a hazard-centric perspective to one that integrates dynamic interactions between hazards, exposure, systems vulnerabilities and response risks. This calls for a need to develop tools and methodologies that can account for such complexity in risk assessments. However, existing risk assessment approaches are hitting limits to tackle such complexity. To this aim, we developed a novel complex risk assessment methodology named ‘Impact Webs’, inspired by a conceptual risk modelling approach named Climate Impact Chains that integrates aspects of various other conceptual models used in risk assessments such as Causal Loop Diagrams and Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping. Impact Webs are developed in a participatory manner with stakeholders and characterise and map interconnections between risks, their underlying hazards, risk drivers, root causes, responses to risks, as well as direct and cascading impacts across multiple systems and at various scales. In this methodological paper, we show how we developed the Impact Web methodology, including which elements we use to populate the model and steps we followed for construction. As proof of concept, we present the results of a complex risk assessments in Guayaquil, Ecuador, which investigated how COVID-19, concurrent hazards and responses propagate risks and impacts across sectors and systems during the pandemic. Reflecting on the utility of Impact Webs, application in case studies demonstrates the methodologies usefulness for understanding complex cause-effect relationships and informing decision-making across different scales. The participatory process of developing Impact Webs promotes stakeholder engagement, uncovers critical elements at risk and trade-offs in decision making, helping to evaluate both positive and negative outcomes of disaster risk management practices.

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Journal article(s) based on this preprint

28 Jul 2025
Impact Webs: a novel conceptual modelling approach for characterising and assessing complex risks
Edward Sparkes, Davide Cotti, Angel Valdiviezo Ajila, Saskia E. Werners, and Michael Hagenlocher
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 29, 3297–3313, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-3297-2025,https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-3297-2025, 2025
Short summary
Edward Sparkes, Davide Cotti, Angel Valdiviezo Ajila, Saskia E. Werners, and Michael Hagenlocher

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-2844', Franziska Stefanie Hanf, 20 Oct 2024
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Edward Sparkes, 26 Nov 2024
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-2844', Anonymous Referee #2, 21 Oct 2024
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Edward Sparkes, 26 Nov 2024
    • AC4: 'Reply on RC2', Edward Sparkes, 26 Nov 2024
  • CC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-2844', Iuliana Armas, 27 Oct 2024
    • AC3: 'Reply on CC1', Edward Sparkes, 26 Nov 2024

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-2844', Franziska Stefanie Hanf, 20 Oct 2024
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Edward Sparkes, 26 Nov 2024
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-2844', Anonymous Referee #2, 21 Oct 2024
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Edward Sparkes, 26 Nov 2024
    • AC4: 'Reply on RC2', Edward Sparkes, 26 Nov 2024
  • CC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-2844', Iuliana Armas, 27 Oct 2024
    • AC3: 'Reply on CC1', Edward Sparkes, 26 Nov 2024

Peer review completion

AR: Author's response | RR: Referee report | ED: Editor decision | EF: Editorial file upload
ED: Reconsider after major revisions (further review by editor and referees) (11 Dec 2024) by Silvia De Angeli
AR by Edward Sparkes on behalf of the Authors (31 Jan 2025)  Author's response   Author's tracked changes   Manuscript 
ED: Referee Nomination & Report Request started (04 Feb 2025) by Silvia De Angeli
RR by Anonymous Referee #2 (26 Feb 2025)
RR by Franziska Stefanie Hanf (10 Apr 2025)
ED: Publish subject to minor revisions (review by editor) (28 Apr 2025) by Silvia De Angeli
AR by Edward Sparkes on behalf of the Authors (01 May 2025)  Author's response   Author's tracked changes   Manuscript 
ED: Publish as is (09 May 2025) by Silvia De Angeli
ED: Publish as is (13 May 2025) by Thom Bogaard (Executive editor)
AR by Edward Sparkes on behalf of the Authors (16 May 2025)  Author's response   Manuscript 

Journal article(s) based on this preprint

28 Jul 2025
Impact Webs: a novel conceptual modelling approach for characterising and assessing complex risks
Edward Sparkes, Davide Cotti, Angel Valdiviezo Ajila, Saskia E. Werners, and Michael Hagenlocher
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 29, 3297–3313, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-3297-2025,https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-3297-2025, 2025
Short summary
Edward Sparkes, Davide Cotti, Angel Valdiviezo Ajila, Saskia E. Werners, and Michael Hagenlocher
Edward Sparkes, Davide Cotti, Angel Valdiviezo Ajila, Saskia E. Werners, and Michael Hagenlocher

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Short summary
Impact Webs are a methodology designed to better understand and characterize complex risks. Understanding the complexity of risks, is a key step in reducing and managing disaster risks. This paper outlines the rationale for Impact Webs and the steps for co-creation and use. Impact Webs allow for an in-depth analysis while accounting for their interactions within the systems in which they exist. They can be used to provide guidance for risk management options.
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