Haiti in Distress: The Impact of the 2010 Earthquake on Citizen Lives and Perceptions
This study incorporates a wide array of subject matter in an effort to glimpse the comprehensive and continued human impact of the 2010 Haitian earthquake on its survivors. Conducted by Vanderbilt University’s Latin American Public Opinion Project with the support of USAID, the face-to-face survey garnered information on citizen security, political behavior, and socioeconomic conditions before and after the quake. A post-earthquake look at the economy and services being provided is also included.
UNDP Human Development Reports
The United Nations Development Programme has collected a wealth of useful human development indicator tools, including graphics of development trends, profiles of UN member nations, and a new education indicator. Also available on the site are UN Human Development Reports from 1990 to present, development indices and resources, searchable data sets, and a tool that lets you create your own index.
International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Code of Conduct
“Ethics aren’t static, they’re always changing,” said Roberto Barrios, of Southern Illinois University in a Workshop session on disaster management ethics. “You can do harm to others while being ethical within your own framework.” Perhaps someday there will be a standard that allows the many people involved in disaster response to assist the often culturally diverse victims of disaster. Until then, the IFRC Code of Conduct for NGOs in Disaster Relief might be a start. The voluntary code attempts to maintain a high standard of behavior in delivering humanitarian aid without limiting the effectiveness of response efforts.
USGS Start with Science
When it comes to making decisions about health and safety, national security, and quality of life, the U.S. Geological Survey intends to start with science—and it wants your help. The Start with Science site serves as an entry point to learn more about USGS science strategy planning, including the creation of 10-year strategies for each of the survey’s new mission areas. So stop by, read up, and weigh in.
Informed Decisions on Catastrophe Risk
The National Flood Insurance Program has long been questioned in Congress, but you have to wonder if homeowners take the coverage seriously either. This Summer 2011 Wharton Center for Risk Management Issue Brief analyzed how long homeowners keep NFIP insurance. The analysis of more than 40 million policies purchased from 2001-2009 found the median time for maintaining insurance was two to four years and more than 80 percent of homeowners opted for the lowest possible coverage.