GAR 2015 Main Report

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The fourth edition of the United Nations Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction is being issued at a pivotal moment for the future of development.

In 2015, the global community is aiming to adopt an ambitious set of sustainable development goals and a meaningful, universal agreement on climate change. Disaster risk reduction can play an important role in advancing these agendas through its close links with poverty reduction, sustainable growth and shared prosperity.

As we prepare for the third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai, Japan, it is crucial to understand and act upon the messages of this report. Many countries continue to face large potential losses from disasters – especially

those which can least afford to invest in future resilience. Global models suggest that the risk of economic losses is rising as a result of the rapidly increasing value of the assets that are exposed to major hazards. In addition, a large proportion of losses continue to be associated with small and recurring disaster events that severely damage critical public infrastructure, housing and production – key pillars of growth and development in low and middle-income countries.

Governments, civil society and the private sector have the opportunity and obligation to work together to commit to a safer future. A more inclusive and ambitious framework for disaster risk reduction is crucial to our efforts to build a better world for all. Together, let us ensure that development is resilient and sustainable.

Ban Ki-moon Secretary-General of the United Nations

Foreword

	iii The fourth edition of the United Nations Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction is being issued at a pivotal moment for the future of development. In 2015, the global community is aiming to adopt an ambitious set of sustainable development goals and a meaningful, universal agreement on climate change. Disaster risk reduction can play an important role in advancing these agendas through its close links with poverty reduction, sustainable growth and shared prosperity. As we prepare for the third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai, Japan, it is crucial to understand and act upon the messages of this report. Many countries continue to face large potential losses from disasters – especially those which can least afford to invest in future resilience. Global models suggest that the risk of economic losses is rising as a result of the rapidly increasing value of the assets that are exposed to major hazards. In addition, a large proportion of losses continue to be associated with small and recurring disaster events that severely damage critical public infrastructure, housing and production – key pillars of growth and development in low and middle-income countries. Governments, civil society and the private sector have the opportunity and obligation to work together to commit to a safer future. A more inclusive and ambitious framework for disaster risk reduction is crucial to our efforts to build a better world for all. Together, let us ensure that development is resilient and sustainable. Ban Ki-moon Secretary-General of the United Nations Foreword	Page 1 Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 ->Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 30 Page 40 Page 50 Page 60 Page 70 Page 80 Page 90 Page 100 Page 110 Page 120 Page 130 Page 140 Page 150 Page 160 Page 170 Page 180 Page 190 Page 200 Page 210 Page 220 Page 230 Page 240 Page 250 Page 260 Page 270 Page 280 Page 290 Page 300 Page 310