Environmental Disasters, Natural Recovery and Human Responses

Natural disasters destroy more property and kill more people with each passing year. Volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, floods, landslides, fires and other natural events are becoming more frequent and their consequences more devastating. Del Moral and Walker provide a comprehensive summary of the diverse ways in which natural disasters disrupt humanity and how humans cope. Burgeoning human numbers, shrinking resources and intensification of the consequences of natural disasters have produced a crisis of unparalleled proportions. Through this detailed study, the authors provide a template for improving restoration to show how relatively simple approaches can enhance both human well-being and that of the other species on the planet. This book will appeal to ecologists, land managers as well as anyone curious about the natural world and natural disasters.

Roger del Moral is Professor of Biology at the University of Washington. His research includes the mechanisms of vegetation response to disturbances caused by volcanoes, glaciers, grazing and urbanization. He has practised wetland restoration for over 20 years and has experience with dune and subalpine meadow restoration. He had studied volcanoes on four continents, including detailed studies of Mount St. Helens that started in 1980.

Lawrence R. Walker is Professor of Biology at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. His research focuses on ecological plant succession and the theoretical and practical lessons for restoration. His research in succession and restoration has encompassed work on volcanoes, dunes, glacial moraines, floodplains, landslides, cliffs, hurricanes, reservoir drawdown zones, abandoned roads and mine tailings.