Disasters and disaster risk management in South Africa

What is it about?

This chapter provides insight into the disaster and disaster risk management in South Africa, within the global context of disasters, climate change and sustainable development. The chapter explores opportunities for building the understanding of disasters and disaster risk to enhance the ability to mitigate and manage these risks. The chapter explores some key opportunities for communities and cities in South Africa to enhance development objectives while managing disaster risk.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

Disasters undermine progress towards sustainable development, thus understanding and managing disaster risk is important. Cities face the highest risk from disasters because urban development constrains the ability of natural systems to absorb the impacts of disasters, and high population density increases the number of people exposed to hazards. South Africa confronts the dual challenge of addressing post-apartheid developmental challenges and increasing disaster risk from climate change and urbanisation.