Root Causes of Social Vulnerability: Technological and Human-Induced Hazards 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 53 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 54 Hazard Agent Human System

Session 55 Society Environment Technology RISK Disaster failure in technology and/or in social, political, or economic system

Session 56 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 57 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 58 Classification of Hazards  Physical Characteristics  Natural /Technological  Probability / Consequence  Pervasive / Intensive  Acute / Chronic  Voluntary / Involuntary

Session 59 Sample Hazard Categories: Natural  Extreme natural events – Meteorological – Geophysical  Common natural events – Meteorological – Geophysical  Biologic events – Epidemics – Infestations

Session 510 Sample Hazard Categories: Human-Induced  Technological – Extreme failures – Common failures – Chronic hazards  Social Hazards – Civil disorder – Terrorism – Warfare

Session 511 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 512 What about… – Global warming – Sea level rise – Acid precipitation – Ozone hole – Biological weapons Technological Hazards?

Session 513 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 514 Worldwide Technological Disaster Trends, Events People Killed

Session 515 Distribution of Natural Disasters,

Session 516 Distribution of Technological Disasters,

Session 517 Distribution of People Killed by Technological Disasters,

Session 518 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 519 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 520 Risk Communication Risk Management Communication & Management Risk Assessment Public Policy Makers Scientists 4 Cultures of Risk Practitioners

Session 521 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 522 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 hazards technological hazards