Topics Geo natural catastrophes 2011: analyses, assessments, positions

This issue reports on the most catastrophic events of 2011, which has been the most expensive natural disaster year to date with economic losses amounting to some US$ 380bn. It focuses on the 11 March 2011 Japanese earthquake, tsunami and nuclear accident; and sheds light on background factors of the hazard posed by geophysical risks. It then reports on other the other devastating events of 2011, such as the earthquake in New Zealand, floods in Australia, Thailand, France and Italy and the tornado outbreak in the USA. It also addresses climate change and the postponed decisions on climate protection in Durban. At last, it analyses and documents global loss events in the NatCatSERVICE and risk management section.