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Every week the PreventionWeb team of editors selects the latest news and research, reports and publications on disaster risk reduction – here is their selection of the latest must-read content.

Tourists walking on the Fagradalsfjall lava field after the 2021 eruption

Update

19 July 2022

Mapping a volcanic eruption in the backyard of Iceland’s capital

Researchers used satellites and aerial data to create regularly updated maps of the Fagradalsfjall eruption for both the public and disaster response agencies.

Eos - AGU

Taranda Dhank Road, carved into a mountain slope in Himachal Pradesh, India

Update

18 July 2022

Building a road to prosperity: How communities in India are helping embed climate and disaster resilience into transport design

India's transport sector is particularly exposed and vulnerable to the impacts of disasters. The fallout falls most heavily on vulnerable populations, hampering their access to economic opportunities, to education, healthcare and community interaction.

World Bank, the

Burned house by Dixie fire in California, USA (2021)

Research briefs

18 July 2022

When disaster strikes, these Americans may not be ready

A new national study shows which Americans are least likely to be prepared to take necessary actions when faced with disasters such as hurricanes, floods and wildfires.

Ohio State University

Woman stands next to her crops in evening light

Research briefs

15 July 2022

Amid climate change and conflict, more resilient food systems a must, report shows

Water demand, heat waves, droughts, income inequality, and political instability will threaten food security in the next 20 years, according to a new CU Boulder-led study. It calls for increased collaboration to make global food supply more resilient.

University of Colorado Boulder

Update

14 July 2022

In Africa, 63% jump in diseases spread from animals to people seen in last decade

There has been a 63% increase in the number of zoonotic outbreaks in the region in the decade from 2012-2022 compared to 2001-2011, according to World Health Organization (WHO) analysis.

World Health Organization (WHO)

Research briefs

14 July 2022

Climate change, labour market and the future of gender inequality: the case of South Africa

Climate change could cost South Africa up to 11% of per capita GDP by the end of the century. If appropriate policy measures are adopted, changes to the labour market linked to the rising temperatures could help reduce the gender pay gap in communities.

Centro Euro-Mediterraneo sui Cambiamenti Climatici

Cover of the report: men lifting an AC module

Documents and publications

15 July 2022

Chilling prospects: tracking sustainable cooling for all 2022

This report shines a light on the cooling access challenges faced today and how they may change by 2030. It shows that the risks to the most vulnerable from extreme heat are growing due to a lack of access to sustainable cooling.

Update

14 July 2022

Shockwave caused by Tonga underwater eruption may help scientists predict future tsunami

Using data from the eruption of the Tonga underwater volcano, a research group at Nagoya University has used disturbances in the earth’s upper atmosphere to track the airwaves that cause tsunami. Their findings may lead to speedier tsunami predictions.

EurekAlert

Update

12 July 2022

Heatwave in Kashmir spells difficult future for pastoralists

This year’s heatwave has left the pastoralist community of Jammu and Kashmir with inadequate fodder and water, and many fear an uncertain future in a warming world

The Third Pole

A burned out car sits among the remains of a burned neighborhood from wildfires, healthy vegetation in the background

Update

13 July 2022

A case for retreat in the age of fire

Wildfires in the U.S. are getting larger, more frequent and more severe. Despite adaptation efforts, it’s important to realize that we cannot simply design our way out of wildfire – some communities will need to begin planning a retreat.

Conversation Media Group, the