Disaster risk: Integrating science and practice. Beijing, 31 October – 2 November 2011

Posted on: 2 November 2011
By: isadm
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The Integrated Research on Disaster Risk (IRDR) Conference 2011 brought together over 300 experts, political figures, and other stakeholders from some 40 countries and regions. The conference aimed to advance new comprehensive approaches to natural hazards research and disaster risk reduction that investigate the root causes of disasters and incorporate input from scientists, decision-makers, and the public. Sessions revolve around three main topics: characterisation of hazards, vulnerability and risk; understanding decision-making in complex and changing risk contexts; and reducing risk and curbing losses through knowledge-based actions. An abstracts of papers is available online.

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Keeping the country running: Natural hazards and infrastructure

Posted on: 26 October 2011
By: mackene
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The Infrastructure and Corporate Resilience Programme, under the auspices of the Cabinet Office,  has published a guide which aims to support infrastructure owners and operators, emergency responders, industry groups, regulators, and government departments, to work together to improve the resilience of critical infrastructure and essential services. The Guide provides advice on: identifying and assessing risks from natural hazards; standards of resilience; business continuity and corporate governance; guidance for economic regulated sectors; information sharing; and understanding dependencies.

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Climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction in Europe: A review of risk governance

Posted on: 21 October 2011
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A new report from the UN’s International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) aims to strengthen efforts to formulate effective, long-term adaptation policy in Europe and ensure that it is coordinated between local, national and regional levels. The report analyses climate related disasters risk reduction governance in the European context. Free registration necessary to access reports.

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Aqua alta: Exhibition and conference on climate impact and hydraulic engineering. Hamburg, 11-13 October 2011

Posted on: 13 October 2011
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This event is described as the only exhibition and conference event worldwide dedicated to expert exchanges in matters of climate change and protective measures and the impact of climate change on flood protection and disaster management. It provides a forum for politicians, business experts, academics and experts to discuss the latest developments and strategies in a whole range of issues linked to climate change. Abstracts are available online.

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Review of international research on structural robustness and disproportionate collapse

Posted on: 7 October 2011
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This research report concludes an extensive international literature review into robustness and disproportionate collapse in structures undertaken on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government and the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure. The first element was an appraisal of the different building risk classification systems in use for different purposes around the world, appraising the merits and disadvantages of each. The second element of the study was a review of the basic design methods which could be used, namely prescriptive methods, alternative load path analysis, risk-based approaches, and key element-type local hardening or specific local resistance methods. Thirdly, consideration was given to the application of these approaches in the different codes, good practice guidance and other design material in use around the world, and conclusions drawn on deficiencies either in the design guidance or the underlying knowledge. Fourthly, specific consideration was given to the behaviour of different structural materials and the state of knowledge about each, including a brief discussion of the approaches currently in use for each material and the mechanisms of resistance available to the designer when designing for resistance against collapse. The fifth and final element of the study comprised a brief appraisal of the potential for learning from other areas of engineering such as nuclear, seismic, structural fire and offshore engineering. Conclusions from all five elements of the study led to 28 recommendations being made.

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Reconstruction plan for Haiti

Posted on: 6 October 2011
By: mackene
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Over the last 18 months, Trans-City architecture and urbanism has developed a comprehensive plan for the reconstruction of Jacmel, a town in Haiti, based upon the concept of satellite cities located at the edge of the existing, earthquake-ravaged city centre (a concept developed in accordance with the universal design principals of the Housing Reconstruction Framework of the Haitian Government). The concept includes an urban masterplan, and a proposal for prefabricated houses, in which the building shell is industrially manufactured in Austria, and finished by local hand workers. In line with the content of the project, the architecture does not attempt to be spectacular. Rather, it is the holistic integration of the many levels of an urban system that makes this project interesting.

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Sustainable shelter in an age of climate change and disasters. Bangkok, 7-9 September 2011

Posted on: 9 September 2011
By: isadm
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The Asia-Pacific Housing Forum is a biennial event which brings together stakeholders engaged in providing housing solutions to urban poverty. The aim of this conference was to: explore and share solutions that address the urgent and widespread problem of substandard housing in the context of sustainable housing needs and a changing global climate; share strategies and experiences of how best to build resilient communities, including better designs for sustainable homes and settlements; explore how such strategies and experiences can be integrated into “bottom-up” development planning processes. A large number of presentations are available under the following themes: housing policy and climate change; housing finance in response to climate change and disasters; disaster mitigation, response and sustainable development; and technologies for more resilient homes and communities.

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Safer homes, stronger communities: Handbook for reconstruction after natural disasters

Posted on: 10 July 2011
By: mackene
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This handbook deals with how to reconstruct housing and communities in large-scale post-disaster situations like Haiti, where there are often conflicting demands, especially between short-term relief and long-term reconstruction and recovery. The handbook emphasises the importance of owner/occupier-led reconstruction, and makes a case that effective reconstruction occurs only after policy makers have established the framework for reconstruction in consultation with local communities and stakeholders. It has been developed on behalf of the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery to assist World Bank staff, as well as the Bank’s government counterparts, engaged in large-scale post-disaster housing reconstruction programs. Others working in the housing and community reconstruction field will benefit from the information in the handbook, especially those collaborating with government and the World Bank in post-disaster reconstruction.

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World Disasters Report 2010

Posted on: 10 July 2011
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This report, published by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, does not have all the answers but it does have sound advice on how the urban risk divide between the developing world and the developed world can be reduced. It also highlights how, in a globalized world, a deficiency on one side of the world can create problems for us all. Urbanization can be a strong bulwark against the worst that climate change is throwing at us. Where there is good urban governance, you find economies of scale in terms of risk reduction and response capacities. Where there is good urban governance, you will also find citizens who are empowered and active in their communities because they have security of tenure and their housing, land and property rights are respected. The challenge for humanitarian actors is to find new and concrete ways of engaging with local authorities and vulnerable communities to ensure that risk reduction is all encompassing and not simply focused on the obvious and on the post-disaster clean-up. It is clear from many examples in this report that urban communities are capable of finding their own solutions, asserting their rights and playing a full role in post-disaster recovery and risk reduction but that many need external support which is appropriate to their circumstances.

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Climate Smart Disaster Risk Management

Posted on: 10 July 2011
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The DFID-funded Strengthening Climate Resilience (SCR) consortium has released eight new publications setting out the vision, innovation and practical application of the Climate Smart Disaster Risk Management approach (CSDRM). The main report, Climate Smart Disaster Risk Management, introduces the CSDRM approach; looks at engaging with policy makers and practitioners; explores using the approach in complex environments; and sets out some common challenges and ‘next steps’. A six-page ‘overview’ of the approach, Climate Smart Disaster Risk Management in brief, is also available. A series of  SCR Discussion Papers are also available. Papers 1 to 3 explore ‘hot topics’ such as integration, resilience and low carbon development. Papers 4 to 6 detail in-depth field research that provides context, evidence and examples of how the Climate Smart Disaster Risk Management approach addresses the current demand for integration of disaster risk management, climate change adaptation and other development approaches.

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