Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction 2013
It’s possible that the world’s nations have been underestimating direct losses caused by disasters by as much as 50 percent, according to this report, released by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction Wednesday. The report is based on new datasets that include the disaster loss databases of 40 countries, along with information provided by emergency professionals and the private sector. The report analyzes three investment sectors—urban development, agribusiness, and coastal tourism—and concludes business models in each sector drive disaster risk, according to a UN statement.
Hurricane Sandy Champions of Change
For a glimpse into what it was like on the ground in the days and months following Hurricane Sandy, take a gander at the White House Champions of Change awards honoring those who have made achievements during response and recovery from the superstorm that struck the East Coast in October. From volunteers to emergency professionals, the champions’ stories tell the tale of what just one person can accomplish when motivated.
FloodSafe
If kids knew what was lurking in flood waters, they wouldn’t even be tempted to play in them, right? Now a game created by Australia’s Victoria State Emergency Service can show kids exactly what they’re swimming with. From dirty nappies to dead rats, kids are challenged to find the dangers hiding under the water where they might otherwise want to wade.
National Planning Frameworks
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has just released three new planning frameworks as part of its comprehensive National Preparedness Goal. The new frameworks—addressing prevention, mitigation, and response—outline the roles and responsibilities of communities in national preparedness and suggest ways in which stakeholders can share information on risks, needs, and capabilities in disasters. The frameworks represent three of the five mission areas outlined in Presidential Policy Directive-8. The National Recovery Framework was released in September. The National Protection Framework is expected soon.
C40 Cities Initiative to Prepare for Severe Weather and Natural Disasters
Cities around the globe will soon have a new tool to help assess their climate risks and make sound decisions about how to invest in preparedness actions. C40 Cities, a network of cities attempting to lower greenhouse gas emissions, announced the initiative last week. The framework is an effort to create a global standard that cities can use to better measure and manage risk on a local scale.