2011 Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction

The United Nations secretariat for the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) has published a new report on disaster risk reduction.

The report provides a current resource for understanding and analysing global disaster risk.

Drawing on a large volume of new and enhanced data, it explores trends and patterns in disaster risk globally, regionally and nationally.

Key findings of The 2011 Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction - Revealing Risk, Redefining Development include:

• The risk of being killed by a cyclone or flood is lower today than it was 20 years ago, except for those who live in a country with low GDP and weak governance.
• Economic loss risk continues to increase across all regions – and seriously threatens the economies of low-income countries.
• Extensive disaster risk mirrors economic development pathways.
• Globally, drought is still a hidden risk.
• Whereas good progress is being made in early warning, preparedness and response, countries are still struggling to address the underlying risk drivers.
• Development must be redefined to be sensitive to disaster and climate risks. The scale of public investment dwarfs current investment in disaster risk management.
• Ecosystem-based disaster risk management often realizes highly attractive cost–benefit ratios.
• To ensure the coherence of policy and planning, overall responsibility for disaster risk management needs to be located in a central ministry with a high level of political authority.
• The right to information on disaster risks is central to creating social demand and accountability.

Read More