Science for Disaster Risk Management 2020 Launch Event

The Report “Science for Disaster Risk Management 2020: acting today, protecting tomorrow”, the second of it series, has been produced with the collaboration of more than 300 experts in disaster risk management. The participants come from different disciplines and sectors (from academia, civil protection groups, international organisations and the private sector, among others) to provide the reader with accurate and updated information on the consequences that disasters have on key assets of society (population, economic sectors, critical infrastructures, environment and cultural heritage) and how these can be managed. Based on all the information collected, a set of recommendations are provided to four target groups of society (policymakers, practitioners, scientists, citizens) to actively reduce disaster risk in the EU.

The authors of the report conclude that it is necessary to reinforce collaborative processes where stakeholders share their knowledge and co-create action, paying particular attention to the role of citizens and the private sector. At the same time, it is key to develop a frame to collect, store and reuse data and information from the aftermath of a disaster to understand the drivers and conditions that lead to losses and damages and so plan more effective measures to protect our future. As the Report aims to move from identifying needs to showing solutions and approaches for action, the launch event would be a good opportunity to engage with different stakeholders to explore how the proposed recommendations can be put into practice.