A glass half-full or half-empty: Dialogue on disaster risk reduction

The 131 pages in the report contain discussion on 16 critical topics in disaster reduction or adaptation to climate change.  As joint authors and editors, Ian Davis and David Alexander provide an overview of key developments in disaster risk management from 1917 until 2022, as well as linking text to the various sections. Ten leading writers in these fields, including David Alexander, provide their ‘Last Words’ at the conclusion of the text.

The result is an international dialogue of well-informed opinion, often supported by evidence. It conveys the thoughts of 36 people, of varied ages and occupational backgrounds, from 19 countries. Contributors to the dialogue include global leaders in the Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change fields, including:

• three UN Sasakawa Award Laureates, Omar-Dario Cardona (Colombia), Allan Lavell (Costa Rica) and Ian Davis (UK), recognized for their work in international disaster risk reduction
• Ian Burton (Canada), laureate of the Frontiers of Knowledge Award, recognized for his contribution to social adaptation to climate change
• Vinod Sharma (India), laureate of the 2022 Subhas Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandham Paraskar, recognized for services to disaster management in India and the State of Sikkim.