root causes of social vulnerability: technological and human-induced hazards
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Root Causes of Social Vulnerability: Technological and Human-Induced Hazards. Session 5. Session Objectives. Define technological hazards and their relevance to a discussion of social vulnerability - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
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