From 1970 until 2000, the costs of disaster averaged $70-$80 billion. Those mainly preventable costs doubled this century to average $180-$200 billion annually, according to a recent report published by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR).
As countries face increasingly steep bills from natural hazards, the true cost of disasters is actually 10 times higher than previously estimated, with far-reaching effects across healthcare, housing, education and employment.
Xochimilco, nestled in the heart of Mexico City, is home to the ‘chinamperos,’ farmers who have used indigenous techniques to grow food for centuries. Today, their way of life is under threat from environmental degradation, urban expansion and climate change.
The people of Mae Hong Son and Tak provinces in northwestern Thailand have lived in balance with nature for hundreds of years and many of them depend on rivers and forests for their livelihoods.
The UN Secretary-General has stressed the vital role of education in protecting children and empowering them to build a disaster-resilient future.
The recently adopted Pact for the Future has been hailed as a significant milestone in global efforts to promote a disaster risk-informed approach to sustainable development worldwide.
The developed world must increase support for small island developing States “not as an expression of generosity but of responsibility”, the UN’s Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction has said.
Kamal Kishore – who also heads up the Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) - was speaking to UN News in Antigua and Barbuda as the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) came to a close on Thursday.
No ground water available? No access to satellite data because of where you live or home insurance due to recent natural disasters? A new UN report launched on Wednesday has some useful insights on the “risk tipping points” which are becoming an increasing challenge worldwide.
Marking the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction on Friday, UN chief António Guterres called on countries everywhere to boost resilience and adaptation, to build a safer and more just future for all.
