What should be done when people blame a flood on an angry goddess? Or a mountain god for a volcanic eruption?

The 2014 World Disasters Report – Focus on culture and risk, from the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), aims to bring these cultural issues into the open for discussion so they are better incorporated into Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA).

The report examines why people choose to live in hazard-prone locations, and how culture and beliefs enable them to live with the risks they face. It also looks at the organizational culture of agencies working in the fields of DRR and CCA, and challenges the widespread faith in community-based activities. Finally, the report will indicate starting points for organizations to better align their actions with the way people think and act.

Join us for the launch of the 2014 World Disasters Report – Focus on culture and risk, with the British Red Cross, where the report will be presented in detail and a panel of experts will discuss how culture and disaster risk management can work together.

Published annually since 1993, the World Disasters Report brings together the latest trends, facts and analysis of contemporary catastrophes and their effect on vulnerable populations worldwide.  Initiated by the IFRC, it convenes eminent researchers, authors and development and humanitarian aid practitioners to highlight the most vital emerging issues and trends on a yearly basis. The World Disasters Report is IFRC’s flagship publication and a key resource for the aid sector. The Lead Editors of the 2014 World Disasters Report were Terry Cannon and Lisa Schipper.