NH
Natural Hazards

disaster risk reduction

Knowing better, but still losing more: why disaster risk reduction breaks down

, , , , and May 11, 2026
Knowing better, but still losing more: why disaster risk reduction breaks down
Image generated using ChatGPT 5.4

The surviving house in Pacific Palisades became one of the most discussed images from the 2025 California wildfires (Fig. 1). What makes it scientifically interesting, though, is not that it survived. It is that many of the features associated with the house’s survival – a more fire-resistant exterior, stronger windows, and details that reduce ember entry – are already well known. This case points ...[Read More]

From Classroom to Community: Bridging Disaster Risk Reduction Education with the Real World Through Service-Learning

October 27, 2025
From Classroom to Community: Bridging Disaster Risk Reduction Education with the Real World Through Service-Learning
Students exploring ideas for making uncertainties in natural hazards and risks more visible to the residents of Tübingen as part of a Service-Learning course at the University of Tübingen (Image credit: Iris Schneider)

This week, we turn our attention to education and collaboration in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). Dr. Solmaz Mohadjer has been leading an innovative Service-Learning course that brings students together with non-profit organisations working at the forefront of risk reduction. The course not only introduces students to the complexities of disasters and resilience but also creates space for dialogue ...[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]

How scientists support Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) policies: the example of a European Ultraperipheral Department (Mayotte, the 14th of December, 2024)

December 22, 2024
How scientists support Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) policies: the example of a European Ultraperipheral Department (Mayotte, the 14th of December, 2024)
Cyclone Chido (image credit: NASA Worldview)

Ultraperipheral European departments like Mayotte are developing regions, often disproportionately exposed to natural hazards and struggling to mitigate the impacts of climate change. The eye of cyclone Chido, the most violent storm to hit Mayotte island in 90 years, engulfed the French Department on the 14th of December 2024. The extensive destruction and massive loss of life ranks this event as ...[Read More]