Sustainable Development and Disaster Risk Reduction: Introduction

Abstract

Sustainable development and disaster risk reduction are closely linked on many levels and the relationship cuts both ways. Disasters add often devastating costs to societies and communities in terms of financial losses, destroyed infrastructure and loss of life. They can set development back for years. Environmental destruction and lack of sustainable development exacerbate disaster risk and impact. Climate change is adding to the risk and uncertainty. Despite the obvious linkages, the sustainable development, climate change and disaster risk communities each approach the common problematique from different angles. Even in intergovernmental negotiations, the processes tend to be separate and on parallel tracks. This book is an attempt to address sustainable development and disaster risk reduction from an integrated perspective. The 18 chapters highlight issues from many angles and sectors covering them from theoretical and practical perspectives. A number of case studies, primarily from Asia, are highlighted.