Preventing, managing, reducing disaster
‘Villagers displaced by forest fires’; ‘Many missing after avalanche’; ‘Floods cause millions of euros in damage’. Natural disasters often make the news headlines because of their potential for massive and fatal destruction. They pose a threat to human life and livelihoods, societies and national economies.
Natural hazards can strike anywhere and at any time. They can turn into disasters if governments and people are not well prepared.
.@WahlstromM #EEF14 the cost of natural disasters is starting to bite economies - the threat is no longer limited to human mortality
— OSCE (@OSCE) 10. September 2014
.@WahlstromM #EEF14 developed countries lose around 2% of their GDP a year to dealing with natural disasters, developing countries up to 15%
— OSCE (@OSCE) 10. September 2014
A Fighting Chance: Disaster Risk Management
The need for countries to work together to better prepare for, and respond to natural disasters is the theme of the 2014 OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum.
Over the course of the year, as part of the Forum meetings, representatives from the OSCE’s participating States, international organizations, business and academia have been sharing experiences and expertise on how to reduce the risk of environmental disasters and its potential in enhancing and promoting co-operation and security. Watch this video to learn more.