World Disasters Report: Focus on Reducing Risk.

Disasters – both environmental and technological – continue to inflict unacceptable human and economic costs. The number of weather-related disasters has doubled since 1996. And scientists are warning that global warming will bring more windstorms, more floods and more droughts. The challenge to reduce the heavy toll taken by disasters has never been more urgent.

The World Disasters Report 2002 focuses on reducing disaster risk. How significant a role can mitigation and preparedness play in reducing disaster losses? How can international disaster response better integrate with local responses? What non-structural approaches to mitigation -- from early warning systems and first-aid training to public awareness, education and advocacy -- are possible? Most urgently of all, can we show that disaster preparedness and mitigation pay off in terms of lives, livelihoods and assets saved?

The report examines the rationale for disaster preparedness, how to mitigate the effects of global warming in small island states and how to reduce risk from earthquakes in urban areas. It also looks at how communities in Mozambique, Nepal and Latin America have successfully reduced the toll of disasters through sound preparedness. In addition to the data chapter, updated annually, the report studies humanitarian accountability and a presents a methodology to assess vulnerabilities and capacities.

Jonathan Walter is editor of the World Disasters Report.