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1 – 10 of over 6000
Article
Publication date: 7 November 2016

Tianxiang Yao, Wenrong Cheng and Hong Gao

The purpose of this paper is to assess the natural disaster damage of Sichuan province and provide suggestions to prevent or decrease the loss owing to the natural disaster.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the natural disaster damage of Sichuan province and provide suggestions to prevent or decrease the loss owing to the natural disaster.

Design/methodology/approach

The disaster loss system of Sichuan is regarded as a grey system. Five evaluation indicators are selected such as the number of deaths, total affected area, collapsed houses, damaged houses, and the direct economic losses. Grey fixed-weight clustering approach is applied in the cluster analysis. In order to reduce the impact of human factors, grey correlation analysis method is applied to calculate the weights of grey fixed-weight clustering.

Findings

The results of this paper indicate that the frequency of occurrence of major natural disaster in Sichuan increased since 2008. The major natural disasters occurred in 2008, 2010, 2011, and 2013. In contrast, there was almost no major disaster during 2000-2007. Minor natural disaster occurred in 2002 and 2003.

Practical implications

Sichuan province is one of the provinces most affected by natural disasters in China. Natural disasters have occurred frequently in Sichuan province since 2008 and pose serious threats to life and property safety. They have become an important restricting factor for economic and social development. In order to prevent or decrease the effects of natural disasters, effective measures should be taken to protect the environment.

Originality/value

This paper first normalizes the raw sequence, calculates the weight, and then establishes the grey cluster model. A new method is applied to determine the weight when evaluating natural disaster damage.

Details

Grey Systems: Theory and Application, vol. 6 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2043-9377

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Disaster Management in Sub-Saharan Africa: Policies, Institutions and Processes
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80262-817-3

Article
Publication date: 13 November 2020

Bingjun Li and Shuhua Zhang

The purpose of this study to provide a reference basis for effectively managing the risk of agrometeorological disasters in Henan Province, speeding up the establishment of a…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study to provide a reference basis for effectively managing the risk of agrometeorological disasters in Henan Province, speeding up the establishment of a scientific and reasonable system of agrometeorological disasters prevention and reduction and guaranteeing grain security.

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, according to the statistical data of areas covered by natural disaster, areas affected by natural disaster, sown area of grain crops and output of grain crops from 1979 to 2018 in Henan Province, China. We have constructed an agrometeorological disaster risk assessment system for Henan province, China, which is composed of indicators such as rate covered by natural disaster, rate affected by natural disaster, disaster coefficient of variation and disaster vulnerability. The variation characteristics of agrometeorological disasters in Henan Province and their effects on agricultural production are analyzed. Secondly, the grey relational analysis method is used to analyze the relation degree between the main agrometeorological disaster factors and the output of grain crops of Henan Province. Based on the grey BP neural network, the rate covered by various natural disaster and the rate affected by various natural disaster are simulated and predicted.

Findings

The results show that: (1) the freeze injury in the study period has a greater contingency, the intensity of the disaster is also greater, followed by floods. Droughts, windstorm and hail are Henan Province normal disasters. (2) According to the degree of disaster vulnerability, the ability to resist agricultural disasters in Henan Province is weak. (3) During the study period, drought and flood are the key agrometeorological disasters affecting the grain output of Henan Province, China.

Practical implications

The systematic analysis and evaluation of agrometeorological disasters are conducive to the sustainable development of agriculture, and at the same time, it can provide appropriate and effective measures for the assessment and reduction of economic losses and risks.

Originality/value

By calculating and analyzing the rate covered by natural disaster, the rate affected by natural disaster, disaster coefficient of variation and disaster vulnerability of crops in Henan Province of China and using grey BP neural network simulation projections for the rate covered by various natural disaster and the rate affected by various natural disaster, the risk assessment system of agrometeorological disasters in Henan is constructed, which provides a scientific basis for systematic analysis and evaluation of agrometeorological disasters.

Details

Grey Systems: Theory and Application, vol. 11 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2043-9377

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 2001

Juergen Weichselgartner

Literature on natural risks typically examines either biophysical process characteristics or human pre‐ or post‐disaster activities. This paper takes a somewhat different track;…

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Abstract

Literature on natural risks typically examines either biophysical process characteristics or human pre‐ or post‐disaster activities. This paper takes a somewhat different track; first, it argues that also natural disasters are socially constructed and, therefore, second, it resets the framework in which disaster management has to be placed. While most researchers usually focus on risk assessment it is suggested that the concept of vulnerability can provide a vehicle to explore a contextual approach to the reduction of losses due to natural hazards. In a brief overview the conceptualization of vulnerability is presented. Since precise measurement of uncertainties and exact prediction of damages is hardly feasible, a conceptual approach in vulnerability assessment is proposed. Qualities that determine potential damage are identified and characteristics described. It is suggested that, even without assessing risk exactly, vulnerability reduction decreases damages and losses.

Details

Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal, vol. 10 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-3562

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 March 2017

Yohei Chiba, Rajib Shaw and Sivapuram Prabhakar

This paper aims to assess climate change-related non-economic loss and damage (NELD) through case studies of Bangladesh and Japan, evaluate how NELD are addressed in these…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to assess climate change-related non-economic loss and damage (NELD) through case studies of Bangladesh and Japan, evaluate how NELD are addressed in these countries and provide the ways forward for further improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviewed the literature to examine NELD and looked into currently available methodologies and their limitations. It reviewed governmental disaster reports and plans and interviewed with communities to understand NELD in each country’s context.

Findings

This paper indicates that NELDs are not sufficiently reported in the countries studied. Underestimation of NELD may lead to limited outcomes in disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA). NELD should be measured and integrated into decision-making, through capacity-building from local to national level.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is based on the literature review and stakeholder consultations in the study countries. The results are specific to these countries. Readers may find them applicable to other country situations.

Practical implications

NELD-related information is directly relevant for preparing countries to achieve their sustainable development, CCA and DRR objectives as suggested by the recent international frameworks such as sustainable development goals (SDGs), Paris Agreement and Sendai Framework for DRR.

Social implications

This paper identifies several NELD indicators related to societal well-being in the study countries and beyond, and addressing them will have positive impact on the society.

Originality/value

Addressing NELD is a recent topic under United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and nothing much has been done on how countries can address NELD in their developmental, CCA and DRR approaches. This paper identifies the importance of integrating NELD into decision-making and the ways forward to researchers, governments and policymakers for addressing NELD.

Details

International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management, vol. 9 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-8692

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 30 November 2020

Vivake Anand, Kinza Yousfani and Jianhua Zhang

Natural disasters occur all around the world, in the last two decades these natural disasters have brought sever damages to the world economy. Mostly developing countries bear…

Abstract

Natural disasters occur all around the world, in the last two decades these natural disasters have brought sever damages to the world economy. Mostly developing countries bear severe consequences due to these natural disasters. In July 2010, Pakistan faced a massive flood, which affected almost all the countries. The disaster affected all sectors like daily life, transportation, infrastructure, etc., of the country. GOP did not have enough resources to cope with this giant disaster and called for international help. Local and international NGOs participated with GOP in the early phases of recovery. Millions of dollars were given away as the initial impact of this disaster, and GOP and other relief agents have spent other million to provide initial recovery and relief. GOP will need billions of dollars further to continue recovery from the disaster of 2010.

Details

International Case Studies in the Management of Disasters
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83982-187-5

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 June 2013

Javed Siddiqui

The paper seeks to respond to calls by Jones for more studies exploring the possibility of operationalising accounting for biodiversity.

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Abstract

Purpose

The paper seeks to respond to calls by Jones for more studies exploring the possibility of operationalising accounting for biodiversity.

Design/methodology/approach

Archival data are used to produce a natural inventory report for the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest declared as a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 2007.

Findings

The study extends prior research on biodiversity accounting by exploring the applicability of Jones' natural inventory model in the context of Bangladesh. The results indicate that application of Jones' natural inventory model is feasible in the context of developing countries such as Bangladesh. It is also recognised that the socio‐economic and political environment prevailing in developing economies may lead to the emergence of important stakeholder groups including local civil society bodies, international donor agencies and foreign governments. Biodiversity accounting may provide a legitimate basis for the government in allaying concerns regarding environmental stewardship and assist in negotiations with powerful stakeholder groups on important issues such as financial assistance after natural disasters and claims to the global climate change fund.

Originality/value

This is one of the early attempts to operationalise biodiversity accounting in the context of a developing economy.

Details

Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, vol. 26 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-3574

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 12 June 2023

Babul Hossain, Md Nazirul Islam Sarker, Guoqing Shi and Md. Salman Sohel

Pakistan is one of the most climate change and natural disaster-affected countries in the globe, where the lives and livelihoods of people are repeatedly affected due to these…

Abstract

Pakistan is one of the most climate change and natural disaster-affected countries in the globe, where the lives and livelihoods of people are repeatedly affected due to these natural disasters. Over the past few decades, the country has been impacted by numerous devastating floods, droughts, and storms. As a result, households face enormous complications, particularly those dwelling in disaster-prone areas. Therefore, this study intends to explore the status of household vulnerability and resilience practices of hazard-prone communities in Pakistan from existing literature. This study has identified the 17 most relevant documents. It argues that household vulnerability is increasing consistently with the increasing rate of disaster intensity. Frequent flooding, landslide, erosion, and crop loss are the leading causes of household vulnerability. This study reveals five types of household vulnerability components which look into several livelihood vulnerability indicators of Pakistani households. Moreover, the study unfolds that the main causes of disaster vulnerability are widespread crop loss, a lack of water, loss of soil fertility, and low socioeconomic situations. The major vulnerability components of dwellers are exposure (increasing summer duration, the rapid increase of population house build-up in the riparian areas, and increasing occurrence of hailstorms), sensitivity, low access to education facilities, human loss, diseases infestation, food insecurity, and social conflict), and less adaptive capacity (social networks, migration, poor emergency services, multiple income sources, and less access to the health facility). To address the household vulnerability, this study has also identified four key aspects of resilience, like social resilience, economic resilience, institutional resilience, and physical resilience. The findings will effectively help to understand the dynamics of household vulnerability and resilience and its measurement and management strategy from developed indicators.

Details

Disaster, Displacement and Resilient Livelihoods: Perspectives from South Asia
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80455-449-4

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 12 November 2016

Qihao He

Due to climate change and an increasing concentration of the world’s population in vulnerable areas, how to manage catastrophe risk efficiently and cover disaster losses fairly is…

Abstract

Purpose

Due to climate change and an increasing concentration of the world’s population in vulnerable areas, how to manage catastrophe risk efficiently and cover disaster losses fairly is still a universal dilemma.

Methodology

This paper applies a law and economic approach.

Findings

China’s mechanism for managing catastrophic disaster risk is in many ways unique. It emphasizes government responsibilities and works well in many respects, especially in disaster emergency relief. Nonetheless, China’s mechanism which has the vestige of a centrally planned economy needs reform.

Practical Implications

I propose a catastrophe insurance market-enhancing framework which marries the merits of both the market and government to manage catastrophe risks. There are three pillars of the framework: (i) sustaining a strong and capable government; (ii) government enhancement of the market, neither supplanting nor retarding it; (iii) legalizing the relationship between government and market to prevent government from undermining well-functioning market operations. A catastrophe insurance market-enhancing framework may provide insights for developing catastrophe insurance in China and other transitional nations.

Originality

First, this paper analyzes China’s mechanism for managing catastrophic disaster risks and China’s approach which emphasizes government responsibilities will shed light on solving how to manage catastrophe risk efficiently and cover disaster losses fairly. Second, this paper starts a broader discussion about government stimulation of developing catastrophe insurance and this framework can stimulate attention to solve the universal dilemma.

Details

The Political Economy of Chinese Finance
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78560-957-2

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 August 2010

Clive M.J. Warren

Climate change is predicted to have a significant effect on the frequency of extreme weather events and the occurrence of natural disasters. There is a need for facilities…

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Abstract

Purpose

Climate change is predicted to have a significant effect on the frequency of extreme weather events and the occurrence of natural disasters. There is a need for facilities managers to mitigate against potential disruption and prepare for future events. Current practice, however, as illustrated by the literature shows that little risk assessment is currently undertaken with few organisations preparing integrated disaster management plans or business continuity plans to help them meet the challenge. This paper aims to describe the current climate change predictions and the likely consequences for building assets in the face of extreme weather events.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper was based on literature review of current climate change data and published research and guidance for facilities managers in preparing risk assessment and disaster plans.

Findings

The research reveals that there exists a divergence between current scientific data relating to potential effects of climate change on the built environment and the level of disaster planning and organisational resilience to extreme weather events.

Research limitations/implications

The paper provides an overview of the recent changes in disaster occurrence and the potential for increasing climate‐related crisis and disasters which have potential to significantly compromise the ongoing use of an organisation's facilities. The paper concludes that facilities managers need to be proactive in their risk assessment and disaster planning.

Practical implications

The paper highlights the potential for increased climate change‐related natural disasters. Property assets are likely to be significantly impacted and as a consequence facilities disaster plans should address the issue of natural disaster preparedness. Current literature reveals a limited level of disaster planning is occurring.

Originality/value

The paper provides an important link between current climate change predictions, the increasing levels of natural disasters resulting from climate change and the potential for significant disruption to business facilities. The paper builds on earlier research highlighting the potential for climate‐related natural disaster.

Details

Facilities, vol. 28 no. 11/12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

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