root causes of social vulnerability: technological and human-induced hazards

Root Causes of Social Vulnerability:

Technological and Human-Induced Hazards

Session 5

Session 5 2

Session Objectives

Define technological hazards and their relevance to a discussion of social vulnerability

Understand why it is often difficult to differentiate between technological and natural hazards, and thus important to consider both

Review major human-induced hazard trends

Appreciate similarities and differences in responding to technological and natural disasters

Session 5 3

Technological Hazards

Human-induced is broader term– Inclusive of intentional and unintentional events

Events stem directly from human activity – Emerge from use of technology– Related to industrialization

Direct relationship between hazard and human and ecosystem health

Session 5 4

Hazard Agent

HumanSystem

Session 5 5

Society

Environment

Technology

RISKRISK

Disasterfailure in technology and/or in social, political, or economic system

Session 5 6

Examples of Technological Hazards

Radioactive Hazardous Waste Toxic Chemicals Oil spills Chemical or hazardous materials accidents Can you think of others?

– What about global warming?

Session 5 7

Technological Hazards and Vulnerability

Challenge to determine level of acceptable risk People are exposed differentially to

technological hazards Distinct groups often benefit versus bear

environmental burden Can be extremely long-lasting (persistent) in

environment

Session 5 8

Classification of Hazards

Physical Characteristics Natural /Technological Probability / Consequence Pervasive / Intensive Acute / Chronic Voluntary / Involuntary

Session 5 9

Sample Hazard Categories: Natural

Extreme natural events– Meteorological– Geophysical

Common natural events– Meteorological– Geophysical

Biologic events– Epidemics– Infestations

Session 5 10

Sample Hazard Categories: Human-Induced

Technological– Extreme failures– Common failures– Chronic hazards

Social Hazards– Civil disorder– Terrorism– Warfare

Session 5 11

Link between Natural & Technological Hazards

Sometimes difficult to differentiate and/or disconnect role of people

Natural events often trigger technological events

– Especially during large disasters– Can complicate response efforts

Session 5 12

What about…– Global warming– Sea level rise– Acid precipitation– Ozone hole– Biological weapons

Technological Hazards?

Session 5 13

Global Technological Disasters: Why should we be concerned?

General upward trend in both events and fatalities

Inequities in distribution and burdens Increasing reliance on technology Increasing social vulnerability

Session 5 14

Worldwide Technological Disaster Trends, 1975-2001

Events

People Killed

Session 5 15

Distribution of Natural Disasters, 1975-2001

Session 5 16

Distribution of Technological Disasters, 1975-2001

Session 5 17

Distribution of People Killed by Technological Disasters, 1975-2001

Session 5 18

Risk Management

Goals– Determine acceptable levels of risk– Balance risk with benefits

Acute Events– Response plans

Chronic Hazards– Legislation for regulation & establishment of

acceptable risk

Session 5 19

Risk Management

Often different set of challenges from management of natural hazards

Hazard researchers v. risk management Community multi-hazard assessments

– Must include technological hazards – Develop mitigation and response plans to

incorporate both– Particularly address technological failures

Session 5 20

RiskCommunication

RiskManagement

Communication & Management

RiskAssessment

Public

PolicyMakers

Scientists

4 Cultures of Risk

Practitioners

Session 5 21

Emergency Management

Contends with, and prepares for, effects of both natural and technological events

– From HazMat spills to hurricane evacuation

Must integrate information from a variety of sources

– Consider different research traditions– Scientific, empirical and anecdotal information

Session 5 22

In sum… Technological hazards are an

increasing reality in modern society

Understanding community vulnerability is just as important when considering technological hazards

Effective emergency and hazard management requires consideration of BOTH natural and technological hazards

vulnerability

resilience

natural hazardstechnological

hazards