Forces of Nature

Natural disasters are not only getting more severe, they are occurring ever more frequently. Tens of thousands of lives are being lost when these catastrophes hit inhabited areas. But they also destroy people's livelihoods. This creates aid-dependent societies.

Three quarters of the world's population lives in areas that are affected by earthquakes, tropical storms, floods or drought. The inhabitants of nature's trouble spots know the dangers. But where else can they go? Only very few people can afford to relocate.

Even more conversely, increasing numbers of people are actually moving into the hotspots - looking for work and a better way of life despite being aware of the potential consequences. People have thus ended up migrating into areas within striking distance of active volcanoes or onto land vulnerable to landslides. Overpopulation and the absence of effective environmental policies increase the likelihood that the pattern of worsening natural disasters will continue.