Research briefs

Keep up to date with the latest research on disaster risk and resilience on the PreventionWeb knowledge base.

Explore cutting-edge research on disaster risk reduction and resilience through PreventionWeb's dedicated research briefs section. Our platform curates and highlights the most recent academic studies, providing valuable insights into disaster risk management. Each research brief distills key findings from peer-reviewed journals and academic publications.

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These briefs are designed to keep you informed about the latest scientific advances. Links to the full publications are always included, ensuring easy access to in-depth knowledge. Please note that this section exclusively features academic research, distinct from reports by international organizations or Non-Governmental Organisations.

Research briefs

4 October 2017

Assessing regional earthquake risk and hazards in the age of exascale

With the help of exascale supercomputers, researchers are developing a workflow to accurately predict the ground movement of regional earthquakes and its impacts on energy infrastructure. The research team has performed successful earthquake simulations, and aims to eventually apply the system for hazard assessments.

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Research briefs

4 October 2017

Study: Melbourne and Sydney should prepare for 50 degree days

A new study shows that the extreme high temperatures of 2015 will be average temperatures by 2025. The study warns that under a 2 degrees Celcius climate warming scenario, Australia should prepare for days with temperatures up to 50 degrees Celcius, highlighting the need for immediate global climate action.

Australian National University

Research briefs

28 September 2017

European tornadoes are real and their threat is underestimated

Tornadoes are generally overlooked in Europe despite the fact that they cause damage worth millions of pounds. A new study attempts to change public opinion on European tornadoes with the aim of showing their actual occurrence in Europe. Awareness raising can be achieved through meteorological collaboration and citizen science contribution.

Conversation Media Group, the

Research briefs

27 September 2017

Preservation of floodplains is flood protection

The silting of rivers and streams disrupts habitats for fish and other aquatic organisms. But a new study points out that soil erosion is less the culprit than human efforts to straighten and channel river flow, and suggests that floodplain preservation that restores natural river flow would be better for both flood control and the health of aquatic habitats.

Technische Universität München

Research briefs

28 September 2017

Database of earthquakes triggered by human activity is growing—with some surprises

The Human-Induced Earthquake Database (HiQuake) is the world's most complete database of earthquakes triggered by human activities. The most common causes of such earthquakes are mining projects and water impounded behind dams. The database highlights the variety of human causes to earthquakes, as well as the need to start considering earthquake hazard.

Seismological Society of America

Research briefs

28 September 2017

Australia: Be alert to the deadly danger of heatwaves

Heatwaves are the second highest cause of death in Australia, according to a health expert at the Queensland University of Technology. He presents key points to consider during a heatwave to protect public health, including seeking out cool environments, avoiding exercise, and looking out for neighbours and relatives.

Queensland University of Technology

Research briefs

25 September 2017

Clarifying perspectives to promote action on loss and damage from climate change

A new study clarifies different perspectives of loss and damage (L&D), a phrase used in different ways by people working in climate policy, negotiation and adaptation. Four perspectives on L&D emerged from the research, which in turn will help create a shared platform for future research and policy work.

Lund University

Research briefs

21 September 2017

Chasing the flame: Does media coverage of wildfires probe deeply enough?

New research has studied reporting patterns in local media coverage of wildfires in Colorado. It concluded that commemorative coverage of wildfires in Colorado was more analytical and policy problem-oriented than initially expected. However, wildfires' first anniversaries were the strongest periods for policy conversations in the media, which would then decrease.

Conversation Media Group, the