Natural hazard regulation: Overview

Abstract

Natural hazards can come in many forms and can be both rapid and catastrophic and slow-moving and chronic. While major hazards such as earthquakes, drought, and famine often draw significant media interest, a much greater pro- portion of the world's population are at risk from chronic issues such as a violent conflict, illness, and hunger. Evidence indicates that over 85% of all hazard-related deaths are from of slow onset events rather than rapid, cataclysmic disasters. Therefore in order to understand the role of 25 wetlands in natural hazard regulation it is also necessary to be cognizant of the socio-political landscapes within which wetlands find themselves.