1. Root Causes of Social Vulnerability: Technological and Human-Induced Hazards Session 5

2. 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

3. 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

4. Session 54 Hazard Agent Human System

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

6. 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?

7. 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

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

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

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

11. 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

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

13. 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

14. Session 514 Worldwide Technological Disaster Trends, 1975-2001 Events People Killed

15. Session 515 Distribution of Natural Disasters, 1975-2001

16. Session 516 Distribution of Technological Disasters, 1975-2001

17. Session 517 Distribution of People Killed by Technological Disasters, 1975-2001

18. 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

19. 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

20. Session 520 Risk Communication Risk Management Communication & Management Risk Assessment Public Policy Makers Scientists 4 Cultures of Risk Practitioners

21. 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

22. 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