Curbing catastrophe : natural hazards and risk reduction in the modern world / Timothy H. Dixon (University of South Florida).

Author
Dixon, Timothy H. [Browse]
Format
Book
Language
English
Published/​Created
  • Cambridge, United Kingdom : Cambridge University Press, 2017.
  • ©2017
Description
xxi, 300 pages : illustrations, maps ; 24 cm

Availability

Copies in the Library

Location Call Number Status Location Service Notes
Firestone Library - Stacks GB5005 .D59 2017 Browse related items Request

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    Subject(s)
    Summary note
    "What does Japan's 2011 nuclear accident have in common with the 2005 flooding of New Orleans from Hurricane Katrina? This thought-provoking book presents a compelling account of recent and historical disasters, both natural and human-caused, drawing out common themes and providing a holistic understanding of hazards, disasters and mitigation, for anyone interested in this important and topical subject. Based on his on-the-ground experience with several major recent disasters, Timothy H. Dixon explores the science, politics and economics behind a variety of disasters and environmental issues, arguing that many of the worst effects are avoidable. He describes examples of planning and safety failures, provides forecasts of future disasters and proposes solutions for hazard mitigation. The book shows how billions of dollars and countless lives could be saved by adopting longer-term thinking for infrastructure planning and building, and argues that better communication is vital in reducing global risks and preventing future catastrophes"-- Provided by publisher.
    Bibliographic references
    Includes bibliographical references (pages 270-286) and index.
    Contents
    • Black and white swans, communication, evolution, and markets
    • What is a natural disaster? Where do they occur, and why? Are they different from human-made disasters?
    • If we know so much about natural disasters, why do we remain vulnerable?
    • Japanese earthquakes and nuclear power plant failures
    • Future earthquake amd tsunami distasters
    • Nuclear power, coal, and tuna: the concept of relative risk
    • Past and future coastal flooding: Galveston, New Orleans, Bangladesh, and the specter of sea-level rise
    • What's all the fuss about global warming?
    • Solutions.
    ISBN
    • 9781107035188 ((hardback))
    • 110703518X ((hardback))
    LCCN
    2016046817
    OCLC
    962231115
    Statement on language in description
    Princeton University Library aims to describe library materials in a manner that is respectful to the individuals and communities who create, use, and are represented in the collections we manage. Read more...
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