Anna Barcz
Polish Academy of Science
Flood Risk and Modern Misconceptions of River Management
The history of river floods in Europe proves how rivers have been misunderstood and mismanaged throughout centuries. From Renaissance hydroengineering concepts and developments in modern cartography, through advancements in European river infrastructure, to the recent climate-driven shifts in flood patterns – I examine modern misconceptions about flood risks and river management. My presentation will explore how environmental philosophy can benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration with hydrologists, cartographers and sociologists to address the evolving cultural and scientific perceptions of river floods. This research model incorporates cultural and narrative analyses of major European flood events, emphasizing how historical insights can guide contemporary river management strategies.