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http://www.physorg.com/news115220493.htmlThe world suffered about 120 natural disasters per year in the early 1980s, which compared with the current figure of about 500 per year, according to the report.
"This year we have seen floods in South Asia, across the breadth of Africa and Mexico that have affected more than 250 million people," noted Oxfam director Barbara Stocking.
"This is no freak year. It follows a pattern of more frequent, more erratic, more unpredictable and more extreme weather events that are affecting more people."
She added: "Action is needed now to prepare for more disasters otherwise humanitarian assistance will be overwhelmed and recent advances in human development will go into reverse." [continued]
In this context, I think it is important to avoid debate about causes [AGW], and focus on the best means to avoid disasters and respond to the emergencies. San Diego did a fabulous job of managing the fires this year, but many homes were lost. Much of this can be attributed to land use laws. There were also some success stories where new fire protection technologies saved the day. In the case of Katrina, we surely could have done much better. Evacuation plans and mass transit, and again, zoning laws all play a significant role here.
Many areas are now realizing that local threats exist. For example, I know that cities in the Sacramento area are looking at compromised dikes and levies that threaten thousands or tens of thousands of homes. As a result of drought and an exploding population, Atlanta is quickly learning about the reality of insufficient water supplies, and the battle for water resources has begun in Georgia. California is looking at water shortages and political battles, ad infinitum.
What are the best mechanisms and strategies that will allow us to meet these weather and population related challenges at the international, national, state, and local level? What can the individual do to help this effort?
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