Disaster Risk Reduction plays a pivotal role in the pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of global objectives established by the United Nations in 2015. These goals aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity and peace for all by the year 2030. Within this framework, Disaster Risk Reduction, with its focus on mitigating the impacts of natural and man-made hazards, is integral to several of these goals.
Specifically, Sustainable Development Goal 11, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, includes a target (11.5) dedicated to significantly reducing deaths, the number of people affected, and the direct economic losses resulting from disasters. This target emphasizes the protection of the poor and those in vulnerable situations, who are disproportionately affected by disasters. Implementing effective Disaster Risk Reduction strategies can enhance the resilience of cities and communities against various disasters, including water-related events like floods, tsunamis, and storm surges.
Disaster Risk Reduction's influence extends beyond Sustainable Development Goal 11. It significantly impacts Sustainable Development Goal 1 (No Poverty) and Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger). Disasters often exacerbate poverty by destroying livelihoods and resources. By reducing vulnerability to disasters, Disaster Risk Reduction measures can prevent such setbacks, aiding in the fight against poverty. Similarly, Disaster Risk Reduction is critical for achieving Zero Hunger. Disasters can disrupt food production and distribution, leading to shortages and malnutrition. Resilient agricultural systems, as part of Disaster Risk Reduction strategies, are essential in safeguarding food security.
Sustainable Development Goal 3, which focuses on Good Health and Well-being, is also closely linked to Disaster Risk Reduction. Disasters can have a devastating impact on public health, both directly through injuries and indirectly through the spread of diseases and disruption of healthcare services. Preparing for and mitigating the impacts of disasters is a key component of maintaining and improving public health.
Furthermore, Disaster Risk Reduction plays a key role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals 14 (Life Below Water) and 15 (Life on Land). Disasters can cause significant damage to terrestrial and marine ecosystems. For example, floods and landslides can result in habitat destruction and pollution. Therefore, measures that mitigate the environmental impacts of disasters are crucial for the preservation of biodiversity and ecosystems.
Disaster Risk Reduction is also intertwined with Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action). Many disasters are exacerbated by climate change, such as the increased intensity and frequency of extreme weather events. Disaster Risk Reduction strategies contribute indirectly to climate change adaptation efforts.
Additionally, Disaster Risk Reduction contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by promoting resilient infrastructure, and to Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by fostering effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels, which are essential for disaster risk management.
Disaster Risk Reduction is not an isolated concept but is deeply integrated into the broader framework of sustainable development. Its effective implementation is vital for building societies that are resilient to disasters, ensuring progress towards all Sustainable Development Goals. The interconnectedness of Disaster Risk Reduction with multiple goals underscores the necessity of a holistic, multi-sectoral approach to disaster risk management. This approach highlights the importance of collaboration among governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector in achieving these objectives.
Wildland firefighters work on wildfire incidents all over the United States and perform arduous work under extreme work conditions, including exposure to smoke. Wildland fire smoke is a mixture of hazardous air pollutants. For assessing wildland firefighter exposure to smoke, most studies measured carbon monoixde (CO) and particulate matter and reported changes in lung health by measured lung function, airway responsiveness, and respiratory symptoms across individual work shifts and single fire seasons.
D. Sugawara, Chapter 10 - Lessons from the 2011 Tohoku-oki tsunami: implications for Paleotsunami research, Editor(s): Tsunemasa Shiki, Yoshinobu Tsuji, Teiji Yamazaki, Futoshi Nanayama, Tsunamiites (Second Edition), Elsevier, 2021, Pages 155-181, ISBN 9780128239391,
Partner content
Global Citizen, 15th April 2020
Partner content
Global Citizen, 15th April 2020
Approximately 1 billion people currently live in informal settlements, primarily in urban areas in low- and middle-income countries. Informal settlements are defined by poor-quality houses or shacks built outside formal laws and regulations. Most informal settlements lack piped water or adequate provision for sanitation, drainage, and public services. Many are on dangerous sites because their inhabitants have a higher chance of avoiding eviction. This paper considers how to build resilience to the impacts of climate change in informal settlements.
