Learning from Disasters
Learning from disasters is easier when communities and policymakers can easily apply lessons gleaned from hazards research. This website uses lessons learned by researchers from events such as wildfires and extreme floods to help communities understand how they can become more resilient. Project reports, data, and other resources are included.
How Climate Resettlement Can Work for Commuities
As climate-related issues such as sea level rise begin to impact more and more nations, governments are considering relocating entire communities. This report from the Danish Institute of International Studies examines guidelines for the practice in relation to lessons learned from relocation projects in Vietnam and Zambia. The report recommends future planned relocations are driven by need rather than political interests, better attention is paid to resilience perspectives, and conflict resolution is well planned and supported.
Manual for Citizen Scientists
Citizen scientists can be a big help in collecting local data, especially in times of widespread environmental concerns, such as was seen following Hurricane Harvey in Houston. Harvard’s Emmett Environmental Law and Policy Clinic has created this manual to help guide citizen scientists in data collection and environmental monitoring projects, with information on designing approach, analyzing and interpreting data, and potential liability. The guide was updated in September to include information specific to Texas in the wake of Harvey
2017 National Preparedness Report
The National Preparedness Report assesses accomplishments made and challenges to U.S. preparedness during the previous year. This year’s report looked at 2016 from a number of perspectives and topic areas, including prevention, protection, mitigation, and response. Successes found in the report include collaboration on Zika response, improved understanding and adoption of building codes, and enhanced fusion center performance. Challenges included the cost of wildfire suppression, reestablishing child care after disasters, and addressing the housing needs of disaster survivors.
NIST Cybersecurity Framework
In these days of multiplying data breaches, it’s relevant to remember that the National Institute of Standards and Technology has created a voluntary, risk-based framework aimed at managing cybersecurity based on business needs. This NIST website keeps users updated on the framework and how it’s being used in today’s businesses. The site includes frequently asked questions, information on updates and new events, and a variety of reference tools, websites, and additional resources.
Safely Transporting Hazardous Liquids and Gases
With the Keystone XL pipeline discussion moving to a new phase, it’s the perfect time to brush up on how the nation moves crude oil, natural gas, and other hazardous materials from place to place. This special report from the National Academies Transportation Research Board can help. The October report looked at three long-distance modes of energy transportation and made policy recommendations to increase safety. Among them were a call for a comprehensive review of how challenges have been handled since 2005, making preparedness grants available to communities facing new risk, and incentivizing emergency responder training to handle those risks.