Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is a natural hazard?
Which of the following is a natural hazard?
- Famine
- War
- Tornado (correct)
- Economic recession
What determines the severity of damage caused by a natural disaster?
What determines the severity of damage caused by a natural disaster?
- The population's resilience (correct)
- The availability of infrastructure
- The type of natural hazard
- The time of year
According to scholars, why is the term 'natural disaster' considered unsuitable?
According to scholars, why is the term 'natural disaster' considered unsuitable?
- It excludes human-made disasters (correct)
- It is outdated
- It does not accurately describe the cause of disasters
- It is too broad
What is a disaster?
What is a disaster?
Why is it difficult to draw a clear distinction between natural and human-made disasters in modern times?
Why is it difficult to draw a clear distinction between natural and human-made disasters in modern times?
Flashcards
Natural hazard
Natural hazard
A sudden and violent occurrence of a natural phenomenon that can cause significant damage and loss of life.
Population's resilience
Population's resilience
The ability of a community to withstand and recover from a disaster.
Disaster
Disaster
An event that results in significant damage or loss of life due to a hazard impacting a vulnerable community.
Blurring lines between natural and human-made disasters.
Blurring lines between natural and human-made disasters.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Why the term 'natural disaster' is considered unsuitable
Why the term 'natural disaster' is considered unsuitable
Signup and view all the flashcards
Study Notes
Natural Hazards and Disasters
- A natural hazard refers to a natural phenomenon that has the potential to cause harm to humans, the environment, or the economy.
- Examples of natural hazards include earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and wildfires.
Determinants of Disaster Severity
- The severity of damage caused by a natural disaster is determined by various factors, including the intensity of the hazard, the location and population density of the affected area, and the preparedness and response of the affected community.
Critique of the Term "Natural Disaster"
- The term "natural disaster" is considered unsuitable by scholars because it implies that the disaster is solely the result of natural causes, whereas human factors often contribute to the severity of the disaster.
Definition of Disaster
- A disaster is a sudden, unexpected event that causes widespread destruction, loss of life, and disruption to communities.
Blurred Lines between Natural and Human-made Disasters
- It is difficult to draw a clear distinction between natural and human-made disasters in modern times because human activities, such as deforestation, climate change, and urbanization, can exacerbate the impact of natural hazards, making it challenging to attribute the disaster solely to natural causes.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge of natural disasters and hazards with this quiz! From earthquakes to hurricanes, discover the causes, impacts, and ways to mitigate these destructive events. Challenge yourself and learn about the different types of natural disasters and their effects on our lives and the environment.
