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.

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Research briefs

Wildfires will make the land absorb much less carbon, even if warming is kept below 1.5°C

Global warming level at which fire began to impact the land's ability to absorb carbon was 1.07°C above pre-industrial levels, and that fire is already playing a major role in hampering that ability.
PhysOrg, Omicron Technology Ltd
Research briefs

Toxic chemicals from Ohio train derailment lingered in buildings for months – here’s what our investigation found in East Palestine

When large amounts of chemicals are released into the environment, the air can become toxic. Chemicals can also wash into waterways and seep into the ground, contaminating groundwater and wells.
Conversation Media Group, the
Research briefs

The role of urban growth in the generation of landslide risk – an example from Brazil

A new research study has shown that informal settlements on the margins of urban areas were severely impacted by landslides in a rainfall event in February 2023.
Eos - AGU
Research briefs

Australia: New research reveals why the Darling River is drying up

Research shows the Darling River is drying up due to climate change, altered rainfall, and ecosystem disruptions, not just excessive water use. This underscores the need for improved water management and climate adaptation strategies to restore the river.
Conversation Media Group, the
Rooftops under the sun in London.
Research briefs

UK: Cool roofs could have saved lives during London’s hottest summer

This study found that widespread use of cool roofs in London during the 2018 heatwave could have saved 249 lives by reducing the city's temperature. Cool roofs and solar panels are effective at mitigating heat and saving energy.
University College London
View of city high buildings along the river
Research briefs

A ‘SimCity’ is being built to advance resilience planning

Researchers are creating an innovative ‘SimCity’ to improve resilience planning and better prepare cities for natural disasters.
University of Auckland
A resident of Houston, Texas carries away debris after flooding brought about by Hurricane Harvey
Research briefs

Study links hurricanes to higher death rates long after storms pass

U.S. tropical cyclones, including hurricanes, indirectly cause thousands of deaths for nearly 15 years after a storm. Understanding why could help minimize future deaths from hazards fueled by climate change.
Stanford University
Avalanche on a mountain close to a building
Research briefs

Avalanches: percentage of survivors up by ten percent since 1994

Analysis of forty years of data shows the importance of intervention from fellow excursionists.
European Academy of Bozen/Bolzano

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