Society
An article “Dodge the disaster” published in the Crisis Response Journal (by Gareth Byatt and Ilan Kelman), explores the extent to which disasters might be avoidable based on an understanding of previous disaster events. This research was developed through a NASA funded project ‘Disasters Avoided’ to document how disasters are avoided around the world. A key determinant of success has been ‘intelligent collaboration’, through early planning and resource allocation, to address vulnerability and exposure alongside emergency management and disaster response plans. The article concludes that to prevent disasters, a shift in mindset towards co-ordinated action involving diverse individuals, groups and stakeholders is needed across sectors and scales, alongside ensuring clear and transparent actions taken by all groups, with good governance and shared accountability.
Economy
An article “Avoiding Disasters” published by the Enterprise Risk Magazine and the Institute of Risk Management, explores the measures businesses can take to avoid disaster losses, emphasising the alignment between business objectives and societal and environmental purpose. As part of the NASA funded project ‘Disasters Avoided’ the research and case studies have demonstrated the significant contribution of businesses in avoiding disasters. A key determinant of success is a collective will and positive mindset to save lives, livelihoods and protect the environment.. The researchers are asking businesses to consider three practical points for action, including the skills and services businesses can provide to avoid disasters, how they can better collaborate with stakeholders and how they can assess key risk and vulnerabilities that could impact their business resilience.