Notes on Natural Disasters and Climate Change

1. Definition of Natural Disasters

 Natural disasters are devastating events causing damage to buildings,

infrastructure, and loss of life.

 If a disaster occurs in an uninhabited area, it is not classified as a

natural disaster.

 Examples include:

o Volcanoes

o Cyclones

o Earthquakes

o Forest Fires

o Landslides

o Desertification

o Floods

2. Types of Natural Disasters

A) Tectonic Disasters

 Caused by movements of Earth's crust and tectonic plate interactions.

 Tension builds up and is released, causing primary hazards like:

o Earthquakes

o Volcanic Eruptions

 These can lead to secondary hazards:

o Tsunamis

o Landslides

B) Climatic Disasters

 Caused by weather patterns and atmospheric conditions.

 Examples:

o Hurricanes and Storms

 o Droughts

o Heatwaves

o Floods

3. Climate Change and Natural Disasters

 Climate change refers to long-term changes in weather patterns over

decades.

 Human activities contribute significantly through greenhouse gas

emissions.

A) Greenhouse Effect

 Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, warming the planet.

 Major greenhouse gases:

o Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)

o Methane (CH₄)

o Nitrous Oxide (N₂O)

 Increased greenhouse gases lead to:

o Rising temperatures

o More frequent and severe natural disasters

4. Global Warming and Its Effects

 Rising global temperatures intensify natural disasters.

 Storms and Hurricanes: Warmer oceans cause stronger storms due

to increased water vapor in the atmosphere.

 Glacier Melting and Rising Sea Levels:

o Melting glaciers in Antarctica and Greenland contribute to sea-

level rise.

o Ocean currents push warm water toward ice sheets, accelerating

melting.

o Sea levels have risen 10-20 cm in the past 100 years.

Case Study: Tuvalu (Pacific Ocean)

  Rising sea levels have:

o Contaminated fresh groundwater.

o Reduced drinking water supply.

o Destroyed crops and affected fishing industries.

 Continued rise in sea level could force the entire population to relocate.

5. The Domino Effect of Climate Change

 A chain reaction of climate-related events worsens the impact.

 Examples:

o Melting glaciers → Rising sea levels → Coastal flooding.

o Droughts → Dry conditions → Intense forest fires.

o Warmer oceans → Stronger storms → More flooding.

6. Examples of Climate-Related Disasters

A) Australian Bushfires (2019-2020 “Black Summer”)

 Over 24 million hectares burned due to:

o Warmer temperatures

o Drier ground conditions

o Longer fire seasons

B) Pakistan’s Monsoon and Floods (2022)

 Unprecedented eight monsoon spells (double the expected amount).

 Rainfall was 190% above average.

 Effects:

o Melting glaciers and landslides triggered flash floods.

o 33.3 million people displaced.

o Thousands of acres submerged.

7. Desertification

 According to the European Commission’s World Atlas of

Desertification:
 o 75% of Earth’s land area is degraded.

o By 2050, over 90% could become degraded.

 Desertification results from:

o Deforestation

o Overgrazing

o Climate change

8. Solutions to Mitigate Climate Change and Natural Disasters

 Reducing greenhouse gas emissions (renewable energy, electric

vehicles, sustainable agriculture).

 Disaster preparedness (early warning systems, evacuation plans,

improved infrastructure).

 Sustainable land and water management (reforestation, soil

conservation, flood control systems).

 International cooperation to assist vulnerable nations like Tuvalu.

Conclusion

 Climate change significantly increases the frequency and severity of

natural disasters.

 Global efforts are needed to mitigate risks and protect vulnerable

communities.

The Impact of Natural Disasters

1. Effects of Natural Disasters

Natural disasters have both primary and secondary effects:

 Primary Effects (immediate impact)

o Deaths and injuries

o Destruction of buildings, roads, and bridges

 Secondary Effects (long-term impact)

o Psychological harm (trauma, PTSD)

 o Spread of diseases (e.g., malaria due to stagnant water)

o Loss of communities

Impact of Natural Disasters and Human Activities

1. Psychological Damage

 Survivors of natural disasters may suffer long-term psychological

trauma.

 Fear and anxiety may persist, e.g.:

o Earthquake survivors fear tremors.

o People near active volcanoes worry about eruptions.

o Flood victims experience dread during heavy rains.

2. Lack of Medical Facilities

 Natural disasters require long-term medical aid for the sick and
injured.

 Challenges in disaster zones:

o It can take days for medical teams to reach affected areas.

o Transporting injured people to hospitals may be difficult.

3. Climate Change and Sustainable Development

 Human activities contribute to climate change, affecting

economic and social development.

 Sustainable development aims to protect Earth’s resources for

future generations by:

o Limiting the use of non-renewable resources (oil, gas, coal).

o Promoting renewable resources (solar, wind energy) to reduce

greenhouse gases.

 Water Scarcity:

o 1.7 billion people live in water-stressed areas.

 o By 2030, two-thirds of the world’s population may face severe
water shortages.

4. Natural Disasters and Developing Nations

 UN predicts 560 disasters per year by 2030.

 Developing nations suffer more due to:

o Weak infrastructure (buildings not built to withstand

disasters).

o Overcrowded cities (higher casualties and displacement).

o Limited healthcare (hospitals unable to handle mass

casualties).

o Unreliable basic services (water, electricity, food, and

medicines).

o Lack of funds for rebuilding and supporting homeless

populations.

5. Human Activities Contributing to Natural Disasters

“All hazards are natural; all disasters result from human

interaction with nature.”

A. Land Degradation from Industries

 Mining and industrial activities interfere with natural landscapes,

leading to:

o Deforestation

o Soil erosion

o Contamination of streams and wetlands

o Increased dust, noise, and chemical pollution

 These activities cause siltation, worsen flooding, and destabilize

land (leading to landslides).

B. Global Warming from Greenhouse Effect

 Greenhouse gases (CO₂, CH₄, N₂O) trap heat in Earth’s atmosphere.

 Causes of rising greenhouse gas levels:

o Burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas).

o Deforestation (fewer trees to absorb CO₂).

o Industrial emissions and transportation pollution.

 Consequences:

o Accelerated climate change → More frequent and intense natural

disasters.

Impact of Human Activities & Dealing with Natural

Disasters

1. Carbon Footprint

 A carbon footprint measures the total greenhouse gases (CO₂,

methane, nitrous oxide) generated by human activities.

 Major contributors:

o Food choices

o Consumer goods

o Transportation

o Household energy use

 Countries have different carbon footprints depending on energy

sources and industrialization.

2. Overcrowding from Urbanization

 Urban centers in LMICs (low- and middle-income countries) face a

higher risk of natural disasters than HICs (high-income countries).

 Reasons:

o Unplanned urban growth

o Lack of construction regulations

 Natural disasters in cities cause greater destruction and take

longer to recover from than in rural areas.
 Pakistan’s Urbanization (2017 Census):

o 36.4% of Pakistan’s population lives in cities.

o Migrants from rural areas often live in slums or poorly built

homes.

o Higher vulnerability to earthquakes, floods, storms, and fires.

o Lack of trees in cities worsens flood impacts.

 Fact: 129,500+ sq km of forest is lost annually. The Amazon has lost

17% of its forest in the last 50 years.

3. Land Degradation & Environmental Damage

A. Overgrazing & Fallow Land

 Overgrazing happens when animals eat all vegetation over time.

 Leads to:

o Loss of topsoil (erosion by wind)

o Land infertility → Pastures turn into deserts.

 Example: Qinghai province, China has desertified due to

overgrazing.

B. Land Erosion from Dams

 Dams alter natural water flow, impacting communities &

ecosystems.

 Negative effects:

o Flooding risks (water releases cause sudden floods).

o Earthquakes (water seepage reduces rock friction).

o Destruction of wetlands & habitats.

o Displacement of communities.

o Wasted water resources.

 Example:
 o The 2008 Sichuan earthquake (China) (80,000 deaths) was
linked to dam-induced water seepage.

4. Dealing with Natural Disasters

A. Disaster Preparedness & Risk Reduction

 Preventing disasters is cheaper, faster, and less stressful than

dealing with their aftermath.

 Key preparedness strategies:

o Flood zones: Keep sandbags ready to raise riverbanks.

o Volcanic areas: Clear and maintain escape routes.

o Early warning systems: Alarms, drills, and monitoring

technology.

o Regular disaster drills: Similar to fire drills in schools.

2. Human Casualties

 One of the deadliest natural disasters: 26 December 2004 Indian

Ocean Tsunami

o Caused by an earthquake near Indonesia

o Over 200,000 people died across Asia and Africa

3. Homelessness

 Cyclone Komen (2015):

o Flooding displaced millions in India, Bangladesh, and

Myanmar

o Most returned after the storm passed

 Hurricane Katrina (2005, USA):

o Flooding forced the evacuation of New Orleans

 o Many residents never returned

4. Disease and Starvation

 Floods:

o Still water attracts mosquitoes, leading to malaria outbreaks

 Damage to infrastructure:

o No electricity → Food spoils

o No gas supply → No cooking

 Famine due to crop destruction:

o 1980s drought in Ethiopia & Eritrea: Over 1 million deaths

from starvation

5. Economic Loss

 Damage to roads, buildings, and bridges → High rebuilding costs

 Agriculture-dependent communities suffer:

o Crop and livestock destruction → Loss of income

o Disruptions in trade and commerce

Managing Natural Disasters & Sustainable Development

1. Controlled Burning

 Also called prescribed burning.

 Involves planned fires to maintain forest health and reduce wildfire

risk.

 Carried out before fire season in areas prone to wildfires (e.g.,

Australia, North America).

 Helps to clear dry materials that could fuel larger, uncontrolled fires.

2. Mining and Drilling

 Major environmental risks:

 o Human-induced earthquakes (highest number caused by
mining).

o Instability due to deforestation and heavy machinery use.

o Water pollution: Mining runoff adds chemicals to rivers and

streams.

o Desertification → Disrupts the water cycle, increases salinity

in dams, and reduces biodiversity.

 Oil & Gas Extraction Risks:

o Salty water pumped into the Earth stresses fault lines,

increasing earthquake risks.

 Government regulations: Some countries only allow mining if

companies legally rehabilitate land after extraction.

3. International Cooperation in Disaster Management

 Developed vs. Developing Countries:

o Developed nations face natural disasters but have fewer

casualties due to better resources.

o They send aid, experts, and resources to developing

countries after disasters.

 Examples:

o Australia & North America exchange firefighters during

wildfires.

o International aid agencies provide disaster relief.

4. Quick Evacuation of People

 Many high-risk areas (earthquake zones, floodplains, volcanic

regions) remain inhabited due to benefits:

o Fertile soil for agriculture (floodplains, volcanic land).

o Major cities (e.g., Tokyo, Istanbul, Los Angeles) are located in

earthquake-prone areas.
  Mitigation strategies:

o Earthquake-resistant buildings.

o Strict building codes for safety.

o Evacuation plans & drills for emergencies.

5. Sustainable Development

 Key strategies to protect future generations:

o Recycling

o Renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro).

o Waste management

o Afforestation (planting trees).

o Reducing carbon footprints

o Government policies prioritizing climate change.

 Role of trees in disaster prevention:

o Reduce damage from avalanches.

o Keep soil fertile.

o Slow down mudflows.

6. Disaster Warning Systems

 Indian Ocean Tsunami Early Warning System (IOTWS):

o 25 seismographic stations send real-time data to 26 national

tsunami centers.

o The U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (Hawaii) & Japan

Meteorological Agency monitor and send alerts.

Research:

Comparing the disaster management plans of Japan, the USA, and

Bangladesh reveals distinct approaches tailored to each country's unique
challenges and capacities. Pakistan can draw valuable lessons from these
models to enhance its own disaster management strategies.

Japan:

 Comprehensive Disaster Management Framework: Japan's

disaster management is structured around the Basic Disaster
Management Plan, which serves as the foundational guide for disaster
reduction activities. This plan is supported by Disaster Management
Operation Plans and Local Disaster Management Plans, ensuring a
cohesive approach from national to local levels. ADRC+1Disaster
Prevention Portal+1

 Strict Building Regulations: To mitigate earthquake risks, Japan

enforces stringent building codes, especially in urban areas, ensuring
that structures can withstand seismic activities. Additionally, the
culture of constructing homes with a lifespan of approximately 30
years facilitates cost-effective rebuilding after disasters. Investopedia

 Community Preparedness and Education: Regular drills and

educational programs are conducted to prepare citizens for various
disaster scenarios, fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience.

United States:

 Federal and State Coordination: The USA employs a tiered disaster

management system, with the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) coordinating national efforts and supporting state and
local agencies.

 Advanced Early Warning Systems: Utilizing sophisticated

technology, the USA provides timely alerts for natural disasters,
enabling effective evacuation and preparedness measures.

 Financial Assistance Programs: Post-disaster, the government

offers grants and low-interest loans to affected individuals and
communities to aid in recovery and rebuilding efforts.

Bangladesh:

 National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP): Bangladesh's NDMP

focuses on preparedness, early warning, emergency response, and
rehabilitation, aligning with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk
Reduction. The plan aims to build resilience among vulnerable
 populations by addressing existing risks and preventing new ones.
ADRC+1National Disaster Management Authority+1Modmr Portal

 Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM):

Emphasizing local involvement, Bangladesh trains communities to
assess risks and develop response strategies, enhancing local capacity
to manage disasters effectively.

 Infrastructure Development: Investments in cyclone shelters, flood

protection, and early warning systems have significantly reduced
disaster-related casualties and losses. World Bank Group

Application to Pakistan:

Pakistan's disaster management framework, established under the National

Disaster Management Act of 2010, operates on a three-tier system: national,
provincial, and district levels. The National Disaster Management Authority
(NDMA) coordinates efforts across these tiers to enhance disaster
preparedness and response. Wikipedia+2ReliefWeb+2Wikipedia+2Wikipedia

To strengthen its disaster management capabilities, Pakistan can consider

the following measures:

 Enhancing Community Engagement: Implementing community-

based disaster risk management approaches, similar to Bangladesh's
model, can empower local populations and improve disaster response
effectiveness.Crisis Response

 Strengthening Infrastructure: Investing in resilient infrastructure,

such as flood barriers and earthquake-resistant buildings, can reduce
the impact of natural disasters.

 Improving Early Warning Systems: Developing advanced early

warning systems, akin to those in the USA, can provide timely alerts
and facilitate proactive measures.

 Establishing Financial Support Mechanisms: Creating financial

assistance programs can aid in the swift recovery of affected
individuals and communities.

By integrating these strategies, tailored to its specific context, Pakistan can

enhance its disaster management framework, building resilience and
reducing vulnerabilities to natural disasters.