Environmental Emergencies & Identification of Secondary Risks

Roy Brooke & Mirja Peters

Environmental Emergencies Section // Joint UNEP/OCHA Environment UnitIASC Weekly Meeting, 16 July 2008

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Environmental Emergencies

"Disasters and conflicts can impact the environment in ways that threaten human

life, health, livelihoods and security. Disaster managers and humanitarian

workers must therefore identify and address acute environmental risks quickly

and consistently as an integral part of effective emergency response."

John Holmes USG for Humanitarian Affairs & Emergency Relief Coordinator

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Environmental Emergencies

1. Classic environmental emergency situation

2. Natural disaster with significant environmental impacts

3. Complex emergencies resulting in environmental impacts

+ Forest fires

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Joint UNEP/OCHA Environment Unit (JEU)

UN core mechanism to mobilize and coordinate the international response to environmental emergencies

Combines UNEP’s environmental expertise + OCHA’s response mandate

Integrated into OCHA’s Emergency Services Branch (Geneva)

Available 24/7

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Secondary impacts - Identification

FEATHIT

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Hazard Identification Tool (HIT)

Tool for desk research Sources:

Publicly accessible internet sites Databases, e.g. ICOLD database on large

hydro dams

Result: List of facilities with potential

secondary impact on humans and the environment

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HIT Example

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Flash Environmental Assessment Tool (FEAT)

Tool for on-site assessment Sources:

On-site investigation Information from local/national authorities

Result: List of facilities with secondary

impact Request for specialized assistance

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FEAT modules

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FEAT – I = H, Exp, Q

Hazard

Quantity

Exposure

IMPACT

Chemical / Physical / NaturalReceptor Pathway

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Impact types

Direct impact on human health - immediate death and adverse health effects

Direct impact on life-support functions and nature - crops, fish resources, agricultural land, water supply - biodiversity and certain species or ecosystems

Long-term impact on life-support functions, nature and humans - toxic persistent substances entering the food chain and

natural ecosystems and effects of carcinogenic substances.

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FEAT Report

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Identification of secondary risks

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THANKS FOR YOUR ATTENTION!!!