Focusing on the Environment and Human Security Nexus

Abstract

In recent years, UNDP, UN-ISDR, Munich-Re and other institutions havebeen pointing out the fact that the number of reported disasters as wellas the economic losses associated with such disasters have been growingsteadily in recent decades. But while in developed countriesrisk-reduction and risk-transfer mechanisms such as insurance allowcitizens to cope with such disasters, the persistence of disasters indeveloping countries manifests existing incapacities to cope with suchevents and their impacts. In this context, UNU-EHS is taking a detailedlook at the long-range implications of such a trend, particularlyhighlighting the issue of environmental migration triggered byenvironmental degradation and disasters.In the scope of the Hyogo Framework of Action (HFA), research activitiescarried out within UNU-EHS on topics of vulnerability and riskassessment and early warning; as well as complementary activitiestargeting education and capacity building, may help visualize the linkbetween the Main Theme and the HFA.In concordance with the mission statement of the Institute: ``Advancinghuman security through knowledge-based approaches to reducevulnerability and environmental risks{''}; this paper reviews some ofthe research carried out by UNU-EHS which addresses key researchquestions like vulnerability assessment in case of tsunamis and floodsin Europe and the Indian Ocean; institutional efforts at local,national, and regional levels on early warning and preparedness; theimpacts of urbanization on the modification of hazards such as floodsand landslides in capital cities of Latin America; and perceptions whichmay promote or inhibit the establishment of policies and plans to manageexisting risks. Such examples should serve to visualize the linksbetween the Main Theme: Minimizing Risk: Maximizing Awareness, and thefour key research questions.The paper concludes with a brief outlook concerning the current dilemmasand critical issues which need to be addressed in the context of humansecurity in a changing environment, as well as the supporting role whichUNU-EHS may have in researching such critical issues.