Words into Action Guidelines: Practical considerations for Addressing Man-made and Technological Hazards in Disaster Risk Reduction

Abstract

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 was adopted at the Third UN World Conference on DRR in Sendai, Japan, on 18 March 2015. The main features of the Sendai Framework are: 1) a shift in focus from managing disasters to managing risks; 2) a wider scope which includes risk of small- to large-scale, frequent and infrequent, sudden and slow-onset disasters, caused by natural or man-made hazards, as well as related environmental, technological and biological hazards and risks; and 3) a more people-centered, all-hazards and multi-sectoral approach to DRR. This Words in Action (WiA) Guide addresses man-made hazards, including the subset of technological hazards. It is one of a series of documents prepared as part of the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) Initiative1 supporting “the implementation, follow-up and review of the Sendai Framework by generating evidence-based and practical guidance for implementation in close collaboration with States, and through mobilization of experts; reinforcing a culture of prevention in relevant stakeholders”2. This WiA Guide was developed by a working group, consisting of government representatives and international stakeholders, and chaired by UNISDR and the UN Environment / Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Joint Unit (JEU). The Guide takes a practical approach in addressing man-made and technological (Man-made / Tech hazards), and builds upon previous analyses and recommendations relating to such hazards in the context of DRR. The Guide builds on the outcomes of the Open-ended Intergovernmental Expert Working Group on Indicators and Terminology for the Sendai Framework, and the work on hazard classification and terminology related to man-made hazards3. Man-made (i.e., anthropogenic, or human-induced) hazards are defined as those “induced entirely or predominantly by human activities and choices”. This term does not include the occurrence or risk of armed conflicts and other situations of social instability or tension which are subject to international humanitarian law and national legislation. Technological hazards4 are normally considered a subset of man-made hazards. Chemical, nuclear and radiological hazards, as well as transport hazards are defined as those "originate from technological or industrial conditions, dangerous procedures, infrastructure failures or specific human activities. Examples include industrial pollution, ionizing radiation, toxic wastes, dam failures, transport accidents, factory explosions, fires and chemical spills. Technological hazards also may arise directly as a result of the impacts of a natural hazard event. A technological accident caused by a natural hazard is known as a Natech5. This guide does not cover structural collapses of buildings and infrastructures such as bridges, dams and factories as this is subject of another guide