Mapping Social Vulnerability to Nuclear Accidents: a Comparative Framework Using BWM and AHP Methods

IF 2 4区社会学 Q3 ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Applied Spatial Analysis and Policy Pub Date : 2025-03-11 DOI:10.1007/s12061-025-09649-3

Maryna Batur, Himmet Karaman, Reha Metin Alkan, Haluk Ozener

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

This paper examines neighborhood-scale social vulnerability to nuclear accidents in Turkiye, focusing on identifying the most at-risk areas and demographic groups across several dimensions: demographics, buildings and environment, preparedness, emergency response, and coping capacity. The study has three main objectives: (1) improving the social vulnerability model by emphasizing criteria specific to nuclear accidents, (2) developing an assessment model for identifying vulnerable communities using a worst-case nuclear accident scenario, and (3) helping emergency managers pinpoint community sub-groups most susceptible to reduced resilience. Social vulnerability was assessed using both the Best–Worst Method (BWM) and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), with comparisons highlighting slight differences due to their distinct methodologies. The findings reveal significant vulnerability, with many neighborhoods lacking adequate emergency preparedness programs such as public education, access to emergency supplies, and established evacuation routes. Comparing BWM and AHP helps researchers select the most suitable method, while the developed SVI offers a valuable tool for improving nuclear disaster risk management and community resilience.

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来源期刊

Applied Spatial Analysis and Policy Multiple-

CiteScore

3.80

自引率

5.30%

发文量

期刊介绍： Description The journal has an applied focus: it actively promotes the importance of geographical research in real world settings It is policy-relevant: it seeks both a readership and contributions from practitioners as well as academics The substantive foundation is spatial analysis: the use of quantitative techniques to identify patterns and processes within geographic environments The combination of these points, which are fully reflected in the naming of the journal, establishes a unique position in the marketplace. RationaleA geographical perspective has always been crucial to the understanding of the social and physical organisation of the world around us. The techniques of spatial analysis provide a powerful means for the assembly and interpretation of evidence, and thus to address critical questions about issues such as crime and deprivation, immigration and demographic restructuring, retailing activity and employment change, resource management and environmental improvement. Many of these issues are equally important to academic research as they are to policy makers and Applied Spatial Analysis and Policy aims to close the gap between these two perspectives by providing a forum for discussion of applied research in a range of different contexts Topical and interdisciplinaryIncreasingly government organisations, administrative agencies and private businesses are requiring research to support their ‘evidence-based’ strategies or policies. Geographical location is critical in much of this work which extends across a wide range of disciplines including demography, actuarial sciences, statistics, public sector planning, business planning, economics, epidemiology, sociology, social policy, health research, environmental management. FocusApplied Spatial Analysis and Policy will draw on applied research from diverse problem domains, such as transport, policing, education, health, environment and leisure, in different international contexts. The journal will therefore provide insights into the variations in phenomena that exist across space, it will provide evidence for comparative policy analysis between domains and between locations, and stimulate ideas about the translation of spatial analysis methods and techniques across varied policy contexts. It is essential to know how to measure, monitor and understand spatial distributions, many of which have implications for those with responsibility to plan and enhance the society and the environment in which we all exist. Readership and Editorial BoardAs a journal focused on applications of methods of spatial analysis, Applied Spatial Analysis and Policy will be of interest to scholars and students in a wide range of academic fields, to practitioners in government and administrative agencies and to consultants in private sector organisations. The Editorial Board reflects the international and multidisciplinary nature of the journal.