PEOPLEStefan Schneiderbauer

de en it

Stefan Schneiderbauer

Head of Center
Center for Global Mountain Safeguard Research

T +39 0471 055 373

stefan.schneiderbauer@eurac.edu

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7587-849X

download or scan my contact information (vCard Format)

About

Research Interests

Sustainable development of social-ecological systems in mountain regions
Natural & climate risk management
Multi-hazard risk & vulnerability assessments
Social vulnerability and community resilience

Education

Ph.D. Risk and Vulnerability to Natural Hazards – from Broad View to Focused Perspective. Free University Berlin, Department of Geosciences
Diploma, Geography (Minors in Geology and Meteorology), Thesis: Studies on Geomorphology and Hydrogeology in the Area of the Jebel Marra (Darfur, Rep. Sudan) with Special Emphasis on Satellite and Aerial Image Interpretation

Short Bio

Dr Stefan Schneiderbauer is Head of Center for Global Mountain Safeguard Research (GLOMOS) since its establishment in 2019.

Dr Schneiderbauer's educational background is embedded in geoscience and the application of remote sensing techniques for natural resource management. He studied Geography at the University of Cologne (Germany) as well as at the Université Louvain‐La‐Neuve (Belgium) and obtained his PhD from the Department for Geosciences of the Free University Berlin (Germany) with a dissertation on populations’ risks and vulnerabilities to natural hazards. His main fields of research comprise of climate-related risk analyses, dynamic exposure assessments, social vulnerabilities and community resilience particularly within social-ecological systems in mountain regions.

Before joining UNU-EHS, Dr Schneiderbauer worked for 12 years at Eurac Research where he initiated and headed the Research Group “Climate and Disaster Risk” within the Institute for Earth Observation. He managed an interdisciplinary team of researchers with whom he developed and applied concepts as well as standardized procedures to analyze and assess multi-risks related to natural hazards. In this position he acquired and led research and consultancy projects at European, Alpine and local scale with a strong emphasis on risk governance issues as well as the identification and monitoring of most appropriate adaptation measures as immediate policy support.

Dr Schneiderbauer’s interest in natural hazards-related exposure and vulnerabilities originate from his research work at the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre in Ispra, Italy, where his work capitalized on the added value of space-born data and information for assessing risks outside of the European Union.

Previous work experience covers lecturing at various universities in Berlin, facilitating and consulting of projects in development cooperation as well as training and capacity activities for participatory mapping using Geo-Information and Remote Sensing technologies. The majority of this work was carried out in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Links

ResearchGate https://www.researchgate.net/profile/S-Schneiderbauer

Google Scholar https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=6YIxrB8AAAAJ

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefan-schneiderbauer-7b4804/?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eecosia%2Eorg%2F&originalSubdomain=it

Scientific Publications

Journal article2025

Climate change adaptation in global mountain regions requires a multi-sectoral approach

Kapruwan R, Saksham A K, Ford J D, Petzold J, McDowell G, Rufat S, Schneiderbauer S, Tiwari,

Stefan Schneiderbauer

Climate change is projected to cause significant and irreversible losses in mountain regions, severely impacting both people and ecosystems. Assessing adaptation in mountain regions is crucial to address diverse sectoral challenges and to mitigate the risks of maladaptation. Despite increasing awareness of the need to integrate adaptation across all sectors affected by climate change, the understanding of multi-sectoral solutions remains limited. Here we analyzed 118 research articles on human adaptation published between 2012 and 2022 and found disparities and commonalities across different regions, adaptation types and sectors. Behavioural/cultural responses, primarily reactive and linked to agriculture and pastoralism sectors, are most prevalent in Africa and Asia, particularly within rural settings. In contrast, technological/infrastructural and institutional responses, often anticipatory and associated with disaster-risk management, tourism, transportation and water sectors are highly prominent in Europe, especially in urban areas. Our findings underscore the need for collaborative efforts across multiple sectors and regions to effectively address these challenges.

DOI Fonte

DOI: 10.1038/s43247-025-02444-5

Journal article2025

Global Mountain Safeguard Research (GLOMOS): Five Years Into Action

Schneiderbauer S, Fontanella Pisa P, Rodriguez L, Kumar N, Romagnoli F, Chapagain D, Szarzynski J

Paola Fontanella Pisa, Stefan Schneiderbauer

Global Mountain Safeguard Research (GLOMOS), a joint scientific program between the United Nations University (UNU) Institute for Environment and Human Security, Bonn, Germany, and Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy, has concluded the first 5 years of its research in action. GLOMOS represents the only mountain-focused research program within the global system of the UNU. With a focus on risks in mountains, and considering the complex interrelations and interdependences of upland and lowland areas, GLOMOS fosters the development of sustainable and resilient mountain communities. The GLOMOS principle is to involve relevant stakeholders and local actors in its work from the beginning of the design phase of projects, recognizing the integration of Indigenous and local knowledge systems as a foundation for risk reduction and the enhancement of climate change adaptation. This article summarizes GLOMOS's scientific foci and approaches, which have recently been revised and updated based on experience gained from the initial phase. Selected results from the first 5-year phase of the program are also presented. Finally, GLOMOS invites interested scientific initiatives and research entities to cooperate with the program to jointly conduct cutting-edge research and bridge science, policy, and practice for safe and sustainable mountain livelihoods worldwide.

DOI Fonte

DOI: 10.1659/mrd.2024.00047

Journal article2025

Impacts of hazard maps on individual reaction? Results from a case study in South Tyrol, Italy

Pedoth L, Stawinoga A E, Thaler T, Schneiderbauer S, Carnelli F, Damyanovic D

Lydia Pedoth, Agnieszka Stawinoga, Fabio Carnelli, Stefan Schneiderbauer

Progetto: Strategie per la comunicazione del rischio

This study investigates the impact of hazard maps on people’s risk awareness, risk perception and willingness to engage in risk management activities in South Tyrol, Italy. By comparing empirical survey data from municipalities with and without approved hazard maps, the research aims to understand how these maps influence people’s awareness and attitudes towards natural hazards. The results show that while hazard maps significantly improve risk perception and encourage proactive behaviour, their effect on knowledge about risk relevant tools and measures remains limited. There is a high level of uncertainty and misinformation regarding existing risk mitigation measures, particularly in communities without approved hazard maps. The results show that hazard maps have a significant impact on public risk perception. In communities with approved hazard maps, people perceive a greater need for additional protective measures and have a lower sense of security in case of a natural hazard event. The study also shows that hazard maps increase people’s willingness to become more involved in risk management activities. The study emphasizes the importance of targeted risk communication strategies and suggests that hazard maps should be complemented by ongoing risk communication initiatives and participatory formats to achieve sustainable engagement and increase people’s preparedness. Additionally, the research highlights the potential of hazard maps to raise awareness and encourage active participation but also identifies challenges and the need for comprehensive follow-up activities to ensure long-term impact.

DOI

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdrr.2025.105803

Journal article2025

Risk Storylines: A Community-Led Discussion between Disaster and Climate Science

Cocuccioni S, Pittore M, Zebisch M, Schneiderbauer S, Shepherd TG, Casartelli V, Crummy J, Pedde S

Silvia Cocuccioni, Massimiliano Pittore, Marc Zebisch, Stefan Schneiderbauer

Progetto: Come adattarsi alla variazione degli estremi meteorologici e dei rischi composti associati nel contesto del cambiamento climatico, RETURN - multi-Risk sciEnce for resilienT commUnities undeR a changiNg climate

An international workshop brought together researchers and practitioners to exchange experiences in developing and applying climate and disaster risk storylines. Discussions focused on integrating quantitative and qualitative evidence and on expanding storylines to include nonclimatic risk drivers such as exposure, vulnerability, and their underlying drivers. The event featured a dynamic blend of high-level keynote talks, case studies, practical sessions, and poster presentations. Participants engaged in lively discussions, shared insights, and collaborated on hands-on activities aimed at developing actionable risk storylines

DOI Fonte

DOI: 10.1175/BAMS-D-25-0155.1

Inbook2024

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Schneiderbauer S, Fontanella Pisa P, Szarzynski J, Shroder JF

Paola Fontanella Pisa, Stefan Schneiderbauer

There is a consensus by both scientific and nonscientific experts that healthy and sustainably managed mountain social–ecological systems play a critical role in contributing to the well-being of both highland and lowland populations. The relevance of the ecosystem services provided by such systems to regions and communities beyond the mountains themselves—first of all, to provide freshwater and biodiversity hotspots—is being increasingly recognized.

DOI Fonte

DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-443-32824-4.00009-2

Inbook2024

Chapter 19 - Challenges and opportunities for sustainable development in European mountains (Europe - Introduction)

Schneiderbauer S

Stefan Schneiderbauer

This article introduces the book section on European mountains. There are over 10 major mountain ranges in Europe that affect the European climate and have shaped Europe’s history, society, and economy. Irrespective of their heterogeneity, European mountains are in general characterized by a relatively cold and harsh climate and a complex topography, which generates very particular habitats leading to rich biodiversity. European mountains are under increasing pressure and stress due to climate change–induced elevation-dependent warming, biodiversity loss, increase of extreme weather events that modify natural hazard processes, depopulation/aging population in remote rural mountain areas, or the increase of freight traffic on major transport corridors. At the same time, most European mountain areas lie within countries of strong economies with the potential to develop and implement measures required to adapt to changes or to mitigate potential physical, economic, or social damages. Overall, Europe’s mountains offer excellent opportunities for pathways to sustainable development that can have benefits for all of society. Investing in such efforts is worthwhile given the benefits these mountain systems bring to the continent as a whole.

DOI Fonte

DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-443-32824-4.00040-7

Inbook2024

Chapter 20 - Where climate change hits vulnerable systems—major climate risks in European mountains

Zebisch M, Crespi A, Schneiderbauer S, Bustillos Ardaya A

Marc Zebisch, Alice Crespi, Stefan Schneiderbauer

This chapter discusses climate risks for social–ecological systems in European mountains and some underlying root causes. It is based on a literature review including policy-oriented reports, the authors’ experience, and a nonrepresentative online survey among scientists and practitioners from different mountain regions in Europe.

We discuss that European mountains share a particular vulnerability to climate change with mountain ranges all over the world. Melting glaciers and reducing snow cover result in a water regime change. Furthermore, climate change has a measurable impact on biodiversity, the frequency and intensity of climate extremes such as heatwaves as well as natural hazards. However, in contrast to many others, European mountains are at least in part highly developed. This is particularly apparent in the larger valley bottoms where there is often competition for land use between intensive agriculture, densely populated settlements, major transport lines, and other infrastructure. Furthermore, European mountains host millions of visitors every year for winter as well as summer tourism. This high intensity of human activities elevates exposure and partly also vulnerability to climate-related hazards and impacts.

This chapter shows that there is an overall clarity in data and perception about the main climate-related hazards in mountainous areas in Europe and their potential direct impacts. However, the contribution of exposure and vulnerability to climate risks as well as cascading hazards and impacts and the resulting risks for social–ecological systems in European mountains require deeper understanding and represent crucial research questions.

DOI Fonte

DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-443-32824-4.00041-9

Inbook2024

Chapter 40 - Summary and outlook

Schneiderbauer S, Fontanella Pisa P, Szarzynski J

Paola Fontanella Pisa, Stefan Schneiderbauer

Many contributions in the two volumes of this book clearly show the increasing pressures that mountain social–ecological systems are facing worldwide—due to changing climate conditions, natural hazards, and socioeconomic processes within an increasingly complex globalized world. Many articles underline the importance of mountain ecosystem services, which benefit at least half of the global population; see, for example, in this Volume 2 of the book, Schuster et al. for the supply of water, Rakotoarivelo et al. for biodiversity provision, or Pons and Siebert concerning the production of energy and food. When considering the invaluable services provided by mountain systems, it is obvious that mountains continue to lack adequate recognition within international frameworks, initiatives, and programs. For instance, within the targets of the Agenda 2030s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), mountains are only explicitly named within the context of SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). However, a systematic analysis of all the articles in the two volumes of this book and their links to the SDGs reveals that sustainable development in the mountains is directly or indirectly linked to the content of many SDGs. In addition to SDGs 6 and 15, prominently addressed are also SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger). Fig. 1 shows the overall number of articles in both volumes of this book, which cite each SDG (excluding the introductory chapters of the regional sections). This demonstrates the importance of mountains in sectors that are not always associated with high-altitude areas by the general public and policymakers, sectors such as food production, sustainable livelihoods of (rural but also urban) communities, or innovative industries and infrastructure development.

DOI Fonte

DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-443-32824-4.00025-0

Presentation2024

Combining Impact Chains with Forensic Analysis in the analysis of compound events: insights from the Vaia windstorm case study

Romagnoli F, Cocuccioni S, Olaya Calderon LJ, Pittore M, Schneiderbauer S, Atun F, Van Westen C, Sliuzas R,

Silvia Cocuccioni, Massimiliano Pittore, Liz Olaya Calderon, Stefan Schneiderbauer

Progetto: Increasing Preparedness And Resilience Of European Communities By Co-Developing Services Using Dynamic Systemic Risk Assessment

Understanding causal linkages and interactions between risk components is crucial to acquire a comprehensive knowledge of natural hazard impacts and improve risk mitigation measures. Despite several advancements in risk science and hazard modelling, the understanding of dynamics and interactions characterizing compound hazards and multi-risk is still limited. Taking stock of current limitations in risk science, our contribution will present a methodology to unravel the interactions among multiple risk components in a multi-risk context. Impact Chains (ICs) are conceptual models and analytical tools to systematize and visualize the interplay among hazard impacts, compound vulnerabilities, and exposure factors, streamlining the chain of cascading impacts characterizing compound events.

Within the EU Horizon PARATUS project we implemented ICs for the analysis of past events, combining it with Forensic Analysis. Forensic Analysis provided the framework to develop the event storyline and identify core elements of impact chains. The combination of these approaches helped identify past and present risk drivers, connecting them with hazard impacts.

To show the merits of this approach, we implemented it in the analysis of Vaia windstorm. The storm hit Italy in 2018 and was characterised by high intensity rainfall and intense wind gusts. Our contribution will present most relevant risk pathways, vulnerabilities and risk drivers and their reciprocal interconnections. The methodology showcases its potential for capturing the variety of risk components, stressing the relevance of connections between physical and social elements. The analysis of past events will provide relevant insights to improve future risk reduction measures, increasing disaster preparedness and resilience.

DOI

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-57357-6_40

Inbook2024

Mountain Riskscapes: Incorporating Complex Realities of Dynamic Social Ecological Systems into Disaster Risk Reduction

Schneiderbauer S, Fontanella Pisa P, Delves J, Terzi S, Bustillos-Ardaya A, Szarzynski J

Paola Fontanella Pisa, Stefano Terzi, Stefan Schneiderbauer

This chapter evaluates the utility of applying the concept of riskscapes in mountain regions to reflect the dynamic, multidimensional, and multi-sectoral nature of risk in mountain systems and the governance processes required to address it. Based on Arjun Appadurai’s understanding of “-scapes” (Public Cult 2(2):1–23, 1990), and further developed by others, for example Müller-Mahn and Everts (Riskscapes: the spatial dimensions of risk. In: The spatial dimension of risk. How geography shapes the emergence of riskscapes. Routledge, 2013), riskscapes refers to features that relate risk, space, and practice. It embraces the multitude of phenomena and activities which contribute to the creation, but also the reduction, of risk and considers potential conflicts of interest linked to them. Riskscapes gives equal weight to physical hazards and to social practices, governance structures, and power relations. Thus, riskscapes represents a conceptual approach that considers risk perception, decision making processes, and limitations posed particularly by unknown unknowns. Understood in such a holistic way, the approach can incorporate many factors and thus can serve as a useful framework for addressing the multifaceted topic of community resilience.

DOI Fonte

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-64884-7_20

Edited book2024

Safeguarding Mountain Social-Ecological Systems, Vol 2: Building Transformative Resilience in Mountain Regions Worldwide

Schneiderbauer S, Fontanella Pisa P, Shroder JF, Szarzynski J

Paola Fontanella Pisa, Stefan Schneiderbauer

ISBN: 978-0-443-32824-4

Description

Safeguarding Mountain Social-Ecological Systems, Volume Two: Building Transformative Resilience in Mountain Regions Worldwide presents an overview of the relevant research in mountain regions worldwide, identifies existing challenges, and provides an understanding of the diversity of mountain ecosystems in different regions. It focuses on understanding, protecting, and enhancing mountain social-ecological systems.

This second volume places a stronger emphasis on building transformative resilience in mountain regions, indicating a focus on proactive measures to address challenges and promote sustainable development. It also highlights regional perspectives and case studies and insights from various mountain regions worldwide.

Key Features

Focuses on existing efforts, emerging risks, and collaborative initiatives in the field of mountain social-ecological systems
Allows readers to gain insights into diverse social-ecological systems and understand the unique challenges and opportunities associated with each region
Explores strategies and approaches to enhance the resilience of mountain social-ecological systems through case studies, insights, and opportunities presented in each region

DOI

DOI: 10.1016/C2023-0-50837-7

Journal article2023

Deriving targeted intervention packages of nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction: A geospatial multi-criteria approach for building resilience in the Puna region, Peru

Higuera Roa O, Cotti D, Aste N, Bustillos-Ardaya A, Schneiderbauer S, Tourino-Soto I, Roman-Dañobeytia F, Walz Y

Stefan Schneiderbauer

Emergent complex climate risks challenge conventional approaches for climate adaptation (CCA) and disaster risk reduction (DRR). This situation demands new ways of addressing climate risks with integrated solutions. Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are promising CCA and DRR given their cost-effectiveness, multifunctionality and low-regret condition in addressing a wide range of risks exacerbated by climate change. However, little attention has been paid to exploring methodological approaches for combining NbS to reduce climate risks. Still, selecting the appropriate and effective combination of NbS is a challenging task. This research applies a geospatial multicriteria approach for developing intervention packages of NbS for CCA and DRR and applies this innovative methodology to a case study area in the Puna region in Peru. The study started with an in-depth literature analysis coupled with a participatory process with local experts to identify and select locally valid NbS for CCA and DRR. Building upon that, the overall multi-criteria approach was developed, which consists of a matrixbased procedure to evaluate the applicability of relevant measures and their feasibility of being combined in intervention packages. Then, the multi-criteria analysis was integrated into a Geographic Information System using a spatial analysis model to map suitable intervention areas. Next to the methodological innovation, the multi-criteria approach was applied to a case study area to generate a place-based intervention package for addressing the risk of reduced water provision considering climate change conditions, with its respective potential intervention sites differentiated by the appropriate measures. This methodological approach is a novel and pragmatic support tool that helps practitioners design more robust and effective interventions for building resilience to climate change. Furthermore, this methodological approach involves shifting the perspective from activities focused on “one-size-fits-all-solution” to "multi-solution" strategic interventions that address climate risks more comprehensively, recognizing the dynamics and complexities of the social-ecological systems. The authors encourage researchers and practitioners to transfer the methodological approach to other contexts and, with that, accelerate the efficient and targeted implementation of NbS for building resilience to climate change.

DOI

DOI: 10.1016/j.nbsj.2023.100090

Journal article2023

Deriving targeted intervention packages of nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction: A geospatial multi-criteria approach for building resilience in the Puna region, Peru

Higuera Roa O, Cotti D, Aste N, Bustillos-Ardaya A, Schneiderbauer S, Tourino-Soto I, Roman-Dañobeytia F, Walz Y

Stefan Schneiderbauer

DOI

DOI: 10.1016/j.nbsj.2023.100090

Service	Disattivo/Attivo	Terms Link
Youtube		https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/7671399?...
Vimeo		https://vimeo.com/terms
Flourish		https://flourish.studio/terms/
Datawrapper		https://www.datawrapper.de/terms
Power BI		https://www.microsoft.com/en/servicesagreement/
Facebook		https://www.facebook.com/policies/cookies/
Instagram		https://help.instagram.com/1896641480634370?ref=ig
X		https://help.twitter.com/en/rules-and-policies/twi...
Google Maps		https://maps.google.com/help/terms_maps/
LinkedIn		https://www.linkedin.com/legal/cookie-policy

Technical
Questi cookie sono necessari per il funzionamento del sito e non possono essere disattivati.

Stefan Schneiderbauer

About

Research Interests