Disaster Risk Reduction, Risk Mitigation

Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is a field focused on understanding, reducing and managing risks associated with natural and anthropogenic hazards. This chapter aims to argue why applying a geographic perspective to DRR and climate adaptation is necessary, and how different geographic dimensions can be approached for effective and equitable DRR. It presents a range of methodologies and tools which reflect conventional and novel strategies for risk reduction and discusses the future of the field and knowledge frontiers. Applying geographic understanding, skills and methods is crucial in all of the four priorities for action in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 (UNDRR 2015b): Priority 1, Understanding risk; Priority 2, Strengthening disaster risk governance; Priority 3, Investing in mitigation; and Priority 4, Enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response; and the principle of ‘Build back better’ in recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction (Ibid).