Natural hazards and disaster risk reduction policies

The purpose of this book is to document a number of case studies from different regions of the world pursuing disaster risk reduction through preparedness, mitigation, emergency response, and recovery activities. The volume contains 14 chapters divided into three sections:

1. disaster risk perception
2. disaster planning and management
3. disaster mitigation and preparedness

The perspectives in the book cover multiple dimensions of disaster risk, henceforth providing a wide panorama of current research initiatives in Italy and beyond. These range from the root causes of people’s vulnerability and risk perception to information and broader issues around governance. These topics are addressed from both empirical and theoretical perspectives, thus providing an array of diverse and unique views to inform how we comprehend disaster risk.

The book's essays, constituting the chapters, contribute to the current scientific debate on disaster ecology, exploring strategies and the ability of local communities to adjust to hazards and disasters. A common thread among the different case studies is the need for people to define their rights and responsibilities in environmental dynamics, including extreme events and disasters. In the end, the choice of how to deal with hazards, vulnerability, and disasters highlights the ethical nature of disaster risk reduction.