Reducing Disaster Vulnerability through Science and Technology. An Interim Report of the Subcommittee on Disaster Reduction

摘要

Today, the United States and many parts of the world are at significant risk of natural and technological disaster. Escalating population growth along coastlines, fault zones, and other hazardous areas means increasing numbers of Americans live and work often unknowingly in harms way. With the specter of increased technological (anthropogenic) hazards including terrorism modern hazards pose even more ubiquitous threats. The imperative to prepare for and protect against these threats touches every American community. Despite these threats, advances in science and technology are improving the nations ability to prevent hazards from becoming disasters. Scientific breakthroughs and advanced technologies are being applied to every facet of hazard risk reduction, including precision storm modeling, earthquake shake tables, and innovative mitigation and risk communication techniques. These advances mean that natural and technological hazard events no longer inevitably lead to catastrophic disaster for the communities they threaten. Scientific and technological advances developed in the arena of natural and technological disasters also can directly benefit terrorism preparedness and response. Addressing the threats posed by terrorism requires a close look at existing and emerging hazard risk-reduction techniques and tools. A common, all-hazards approach is necessary to effectively address all disaster risksaccidental, intentional, or natural. This report reflects the combined knowledge of the Subcommittee on Disaster Reduction (SDR) of the Presidents National Science and Technology Council (NSTC). Its purpose is to provide an overview of the hazard risks facing the nation, identify the common links between technological and natural hazard risk reduction, review the U.S. Governments current efforts to increase the nations disaster resiliency through research and implementation of new tools and technologies, and identify issues and opportunities for the future.