Environmental hazards

Abstract

Provides a reminder that in spite of humanity's growing ability to manage and regulate the environment, the problems of natural hazards are ever present, often on a massive scale. The author first examines six common misconceptions about natural hazards; overemphasis on disasters, the idea that human societies are powerless, the "naturalness' of natural hazards, overemphasis on violence, overemphasis on death, and the "technocratic' fallacy. The paper then considers the global significance of natural hazards, reasons for increasing hazard impacts, and the various management options available to reduce their costs. The conclusion argues that the mounting cost of natural hazards results largely from the inadequate adjustment of human societies to the threats posed by the natural environment, and that policy responses should therefore focus on avoidance and protection rather than repair, rehabilitation, and reconstruction. -P.Hardiman