Setting priorities: global patterns of disaster risk

Author(s):  
Maxx Dilley

Natural disasters are caused by the exposure and vulnerabilities to natural hazards of people, infrastructure and economic activities. Analysis of these factors has permitted identification of countries and areas within them where disaster-related mortality and economic losses are likely in the future. These high-risk areas are candidates for increased attention to, and investment in, disaster risk identification, reduction and transfer. Plans are underway to further identify disaster risk levels and factors on national and subnational scales in high-risk countries to create evidence for improved risk management decision-making. In this paper, I review selected recent global and regional risk analyses to highlight findings, areas for improvement and next steps in the overall process of using disaster risk information for more effective risk management and cost-effective reduction of losses.

Author(s):  
Dorota Rucińska ◽  
Martyna Zagrzejewska

Article proposes using weighting method named the Point Bonitation Method, a popular interdisciplinary method, especially in the tourism and socio-economic geography, for giving optional direction to further researching tsunami risk. This method qualifies and quantifies those factors that lead to natural disasters so that it is possible to make comparisons with their roles in disaster areas. This case study in Sri Lanka shows a specific result that is quantification of vulnerability by regions and can be used and developed locally for disaster risk management and reduction. This paper presents discussion about other possible reasons of high risk in regions.


2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (7) ◽  
pp. 551 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher J. Dunn ◽  
David E. Calkin ◽  
Matthew P. Thompson

Wildfire’s economic, ecological and social impacts are on the rise, fostering the realisation that business-as-usual fire management in the United States is not sustainable. Current response strategies may be inefficient and contributing to unnecessary responder exposure to hazardous conditions, but significant knowledge gaps constrain clear and comprehensive descriptions of how changes in response strategies and tactics may improve outcomes. As such, we convened a special session at an international wildfire conference to synthesise ongoing research focused on obtaining a better understanding of wildfire response decisions and actions. This special issue provides a collection of research that builds on those discussions. Four papers focus on strategic planning and decision making, three papers on use and effectiveness of suppression resources and two papers on allocation and movement of suppression resources. Here we summarise some of the key findings from these papers in the context of risk-informed decision making. This collection illustrates the value of a risk management framework for improving wildfire response safety and effectiveness, for enhancing fire management decision making and for ushering in a new fire management paradigm.


2007 ◽  
Vol 70 (7) ◽  
pp. 1744-1751 ◽  
Author(s):  
ISABEL WALLS

A microbial risk assessment (MRA) can provide the scientific basis for risk management decision making. Much data are needed to complete an MRA, including quantitative data for pathogens in foods. The purpose of this document was to provide information on data needs and data collection approaches for MRAs that will be useful for national governments, particularly in developing countries. A framework was developed, which included the following activities: (i) identify the purpose of data collection—this should include stating the specific question(s) to be addressed; (ii) identify and gather existing data—this should include a determination of whether the data are sufficient to answer questions to be addressed; (iii) develop and implement a data collection strategy; (iv) analyze data and draw conclusions; and (v) use data to answer questions identified at the start of the process. The key data needs identified for an MRA were as follows: (i) burden of foodborne or waterborne disease; (ii) microbial contamination of foods; and (iii) consumption patterns. In addition, dose-response data may be necessary, if existing dose-response data cannot be used to estimate dose response for the population of interest. Data should be collected with a view to its use in risk management decision making. Standard sampling and analysis methods should be used to ensure representative samples are tested, and care should be taken to avoid bias when selecting data sets. A number of barriers to data collection were identified, including a lack of clear understanding of the type of data needed to undertake an MRA, which is addressed in this document.


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