#NoNaturalDisasters - Changing the discourse of disaster reporing
This is a briefing document designed for members of the press, reporters and authors to spread the message that there are no natural disasters. Disasters are increasing, both in terms of frequency and severity. In 2017 alone, disasters claimed over 10,000 people, injured millions and caused $306 billion in economic damage.
The way disasters are presented and reported affects public perception of the risks associated with natural hazards. It also defines and limits the discourse associated with these events, making it critical that the correct terminology is used. This means that the reporting of these events is vital because it shapes public perception of how disasters are related to issues such as climate change, rapid urbanisation, environmental degradation and global population growth.
As part of a growing online campaign to change the discourse around the reporting of disasters, this fact sheet was developed to explain why it's high time to ditch the traditional label 'natural disaster' and instead focus on the human-induced decisions that turn a hazard, be it an earthquake, virus, hurricane, typhoon, or flood, into a disaster.
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