Why there is no such thing as a ‘natural’ disaster

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🗞️ Driving the news: Anita van Breda argues that there is no such thing as a "natural" disaster, emphasizing that disasters are a result of human decisions and vulnerabilities, not merely natural events

🔭 The context: Disasters like earthquakes and floods reveal the weaknesses in our social, physical, and ecological systems, which are often exacerbated by poor infrastructure, inadequate services, and environmental degradation

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Sustainable rebuilding and integrating natural solutions, such as preserving forests and wetlands, can reduce disaster risks and help communities become more resilient to climate change impacts

⏭️ What's next: Embracing innovation, clean energy, and green infrastructure, alongside cross-disciplinary efforts, is essential for creating safer and more robust communities that can withstand future disasters

💬 One quote: “When we destroy and degrade much of the natural world, we make communities more vulnerable to disasters,” writes Anita van Breda

📈 One stat: The 2010 Haiti earthquake claimed more than 200,000 lives and left 1.5 million people homeless

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