There's no such thing as a 'natural' disaster...
The term ‘natural disaster’ is incorrect and misleading.
The #NoNaturalDisasters campaign builds on the decades of work and research
carried out by DRR practitioners and academics and aims to change the terminology
to show that whilst some hazards are natural and unavoidable, the resulting disasters
almost always have been made by human actions and decisions.
The discussion on why disasters are not natural isn't new. It's been written about,
discussed and debated for many, many decades. This online campaign seeks to build
on those discussions and reach new audiences.
Our aim
We want to change the way organisations, politicians, the media and
people in positions of power talk about disasters.
We want to make sure that when a hazard creates a disaster because of actions
taken by humanity (even historic decisions), that those in positions of power do not
blame nature or use it as a convenient tool to avoid responsibility.
We will work to ensure (before, during and after a disaster) that those with the power to reduce
vulnerability, exposure and risk are held accountable for their decisions, especially
when those decisions increase the damage, loss and suffering associated with disasters.
What terminology should we use instead?
We've always argued for a more simple approach. So instead of use characters and space on the incorrect natural disaster, just use disaster.
Simple. Effective. Clear.
