Bridging the Practice-Theory Gap: Government Emergency Risk Communication Practice during Air Pollution Incidents

Emergency risk communication is an integral component of the public health response strategy for air pollution incidents. However, government communication during these incidents continues to be met with criticism from affected communities, which suggests an urgent need to improve practice. In addressing this problem, this thesis helps bridge the practice-theory gap or the disconnect between scholarly research and practice. It presents a theoretically informed, evidence-based understanding of government emergency risk communication practice during air pollution incidents. Original research contributions are offered in relation to two aspects of practice: sensemaking and the interconnectedness of practice and context.