Reducing Risks of Future Disasters: Priorities for Decision Makers

Reducing Risks of Future Disasters: Priorities for Decision Makers

The United Kingdom's Government Office for Science has released a report entitled, "Reducing Risks of Future Disasters: Priorities for Decision Makers". From the foreword by Professor Sir John Beddington, Chief Scientific Adviser to Her Majesty's Government and Head of the Government Office for Science: "Science tells us why disasters happen and where many of the risks lie, and for some disasters we can even forecast when they will occur. The aim of this Report has therefore been to review the latest science and evidence, and to take stock of the further improvements that lie ahead. In so doing, it sets out priorities and options for how DRR [disaster risk reduction] can be substantially improved today and into the future. The key message is that disaster and death are not the inevitable consequence of greater exposure to hazards. It is possible to stabilise disaster impacts, save lives and protect livelihoods. However, achieving this will require a change in culture and a new approach. Everyone with a stake in developing countries needs to play their part in reducing risk. For example, this Report argues that policy makers far beyond the traditional boundaries of development and disaster response need to recognise that they also have a key part to play in DRR, as does the private sector."

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