A2 Unit 5 – Hazards Option

Hazards and responses: RISK?

• RISKRISK“The exposure of people to a hazardous event”

Why do people place themselves at risk from hazards?

• UnpredictabilityUnpredictability• Lack of alternatives (economic, lack of land)Lack of alternatives (economic, lack of land)• Changing dangers (vary spatially / time, e.g. Changing dangers (vary spatially / time, e.g.

coasts)coasts)• Optimistic outlook (accept them as part of life)Optimistic outlook (accept them as part of life)• Costs vs Benefits (e.g. California)Costs vs Benefits (e.g. California)

Vulnerability

• Vulnerability to hazards has 3 aspects:

1.1. Peoples preparedness Peoples preparedness

2.2. ResilienceResilience

3.3. Health (relating to social, economic and Health (relating to social, economic and political factors)political factors)

Distinctions can be made between MEDC and LEDC

• We receive, filter and distort information as part of human perception. Past experience and values is important factor.

• ACCEPTANCEACCEPTANCE

• ADAPTIONADAPTION

• DOMINATIONDOMINATION

Hazard Perception

Hazard Perception

1. How might the perceptions of scientists differ from those of the general public?

2. Why is the perception of the decision makers in government so important?

Hazard ResponsePrevent or modify the event?

Prediction and warning.

Careful Planning?

• Decision….Modify the event, modify human vulnerability or modify loss?

• Technological fix and environmental control (mainly with flooding, cloud seeding has had little success)

• Hazard-resistant design – building design and engineered defences.

• Change human attitude and behaviour towards hazards

• This will reduce the impact• Needs a good understanding of geophysical processes • What technology is available? (also MEDC/LEDC?)• Predictions will not stop event – but will provide warnings

so they can prepare and evacuate• Insurance companies spend large amounts trying to

predict. Why?• Community must have an understanding of procedures.

Prediction and Warning

• Warning is a message that informs about risk.• Needs adequate monitoring and evaluation of data and

dissemination via radio, TV, police.• Community must have an understanding of procedures.

Share the Losses?

• Aid• To what extent should this be given to

countries who have failed to adequately prepare?

• Insurance• A key strategy in MEDCs. (spread the

cost)• Can encourage individuals to take

preventative measures.

Tropical Cyclones

Extension Work

• Defining and Classifying Hazards

P.4-5 Hazards and Responses (2nd ed)

• Hazards Impacts on Human Systems

P.11 Hazards and Responses (2nd ed)