NH
Natural Hazards

Risk management

No Resilience Without Trust – An interview with Janise Rodgers and Mary Antonette Beroya-Eitner from GeoHazards International

, and September 1, 2025
No Resilience Without Trust – An interview with Janise Rodgers and Mary Antonette Beroya-Eitner from GeoHazards International
School children at the forefront of disaster awareness campaigns in Cap Haitian, Haiti, expressing themselves through the slogan: “Remember the 1842, the 2010 and the 2021 earthquakes, let’s get our community ready!” (Image credit: GeoHazards International)

This summer, we participated in a Service-Learning course titled “Breaking the Cycle of Disaster, Response, Recover, and Repeat”. The course was developed by Solmaz Mohadjer and offered as part of the Transdisciplinary Course Program at the University of Tübingen, Germany. We were brought together from different disciplines to explore key factors that contribute to effective disaster risk reductio ...[Read More]

If a resilient city had a face: it might look like Kagoshima

August 4, 2025
If a resilient city had a face: it might look like Kagoshima
A view of Mt. Sakurajima from the city of Kagoshima (Image credit: Hedieh Soltanpour, June 2025)

As natural hazard scientists, we often emphasise the concept of exposure – how much people, infrastructure, and ecosystems are in harm’s way when close to natural hazard sources (e.g., floodplains, volcanoes, or fault lines). The closer you are, the higher the risk. Therefore, one of the main goals in natural risk assessment is to reduce exposure whenever possible. We advocate for informed plannin ...[Read More]

Be prepared, don’t be scared: Early Warning System Test during Thanksgiving on Cape Cod

May 26, 2025
Be prepared, don’t be scared: Early Warning System Test during Thanksgiving on Cape Cod
Photo credit: Google Earth Pro and icon generated with the help of AI.

This week I think back on my time in the United States of America, where I was able to spend the holiday season. In North America, “fall” marks the beginning of this holiday season, and symbolises a time filled with traditions of togetherness that transcends regions. In New England, particularly in the state of Massachusetts, the season is synonymous with crisp air, vibrant foliage, and the celebr ...[Read More]

Building Disaster Resilience Through Trust and Risk Awareness: Insights into Natural Hazards

February 10, 2025
Building Disaster Resilience Through Trust and Risk Awareness: Insights into Natural Hazards
(image credit: Jaduial, Pixabay licence)

Trust in institutions and scientific experts plays a pivotal role in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). This trust becomes even more critical for natural hazards—events often unpredictable and uncontrollable. Trust can shape individuals’ willingness to heed warnings, adopt precautionary measures, and participate in community preparedness initiatives. Conversely, distrust in institutions may lead to no ...[Read More]