River flood vulnerability in Norway through the pressure and release model

River floods in Norway have proven devastating for communities and individuals for centuries. Although usually incurring few flood fatalities, the Norwegian population is still vulnerable to river floods in that important infrastructure and other economic assets are located in flood zones. In trying to explain this vulnerability, this paper applies the Pressure and Release model. Two main root causes are identified: Norway's political and economic systems. The political system creates dynamic pressures in terms of governance issues permitting decision making that increases river flood vulnerability. The economic system creates a different dynamic pressure through the insurance system that leaves Norwegian municipalities with few economic incentives to leave flood zones undeveloped.

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