How do natural hazards become disasters?

Globally, two-thirds of deaths from natural hazards in recent decades were caused by geological hazards. Most resulted from earthquakes and their consequences, but other primary and secondary geophysical hazards have also been significant contributors. But how and why do natural hazards turn into disasters?

In this webinar, Dr Ekbal Hussein explores this question through the lens of one particular hazard: earthquakes.

This webinar compares and contrasts global trends in earthquake fatalities and aim to extract common themes that exacerbate the impact of natural hazards, and considers where and why these turn into disasters.

The talk also explores how even simple multi-hazard cascades lead to dramatic changes in exposure and vulnerability, resulting in extremely variable disaster risk profiles, and how the use of hazard scenarios can help identify systemic vulnerabilities in at-risk communities, and give an insight into the complex disaster risk decision making landscape.

About the speaker

Dr Ekbal Hussain is a remote sensing geoscientist at the British Geological Survey.

He is an analytical scientist with an interest in using satellite earth observation techniques to help address problems in international development, particularly in the areas of disaster risk reduction, climate change, poverty and global health.

Booking information

• Advance booking for this event is required. In order to book you will need an account on our website. If you already have an account you will be prompted to log in when you click 'book now'. Please create an account if you do not have one yet (you do not need to be a member of the Society to create an account).
• This event will be held on Microsoft Teams and joining instructions will be included in your confirmation email.

If you have any questions or require assistance with your booking, please email events@rgs.org