Hazard Adaptation (SL IB Geography)

Geophysical hazard adaptation

• There are different levels of response to geophysical hazards; these are:
  • Individual 
  • Community
  • National 
  • International

Response and hazard management cycle

• The hazard management cycle is a model that shows how the events of one hazard event inform planning and preparation for the next hazard event

Hazard management cycle

Hazard management cycle

• The response to a hazard will depend on a range of factors, including:
  • Past hazards and experiences
  • Level of development
  • Technology
  • Hazard perception
  • The type and magnitude of the hazard
• Park's model shows hazard response and its link to people's quality of life

Park's model of hazard response

Park's model of hazard response

• Increased government planning attempts to mitigate the impacts of hazard events
• Land use planning or zoning is one example of this

What is land use zoning?

• Hazard risk mapping uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to identify areas at highest risk
• This is followed by land use zoning to prevent development in these areas
• Planning ensures that valuable services such as the fire service, hospitals and schools are not built in these areas
• Information can also be shared with the population 
• In LICs, rapid urban growth means that illegal settlements may be built in high-risk areas due to a lack of awareness 

Land use zoning in Christchurch, New Zealand

Land use zoning in Christchurch, New Zealand

Land use zoning in Christchurch

• The 2010 and 2011 earthquakes in Christchurch, New Zealand led to the creation of red zones
• These are areas that suffered severe damage in both earthquakes
• In the red zones, rebuilding is not permitted
• Properties and land in the red zones were bought by the government: 
  • Approximately 125 households opted to stay (2%) 
  • These households no longer have insurance, postal or bus services
• The land is now managed by Land Information New Zealand (LNZ) and much of it has been turned into parkland 

• In addition to government planning, people can take individual and community actions. These include: 
  
  • Increased preparedness
  • Use of insurance 
  • Adoption of new technology

Increased preparedness

• Drills educate people about what to do during a hazard event. These increase resilience because:
  • People are more likely to take actions that will protect them during and after the event
  • In 2023 over 56.5 million people worldwide participated in the Great ShakeOut earthquake drills 
• Building codes
  • Adherence to building regulations when constructing buildings decreases the number of buildings that collapse
  • In LICs people are less likely to follow building regulations due to:
    • Lack of education regarding the importance of building regulations
    • Cost of following building regulations
    • Lack of enforcement of the building regulations

Use of insurance

• Insurance increases resilience because:
  • Payouts are usually faster and larger than government assistance 
  • This increases the speed of recovery and the ability to rebuild/repair
  • It may encourage people to prepare and retrofit buildings to reduce the cost of insurance

Earthquake insurance

• Earthquake insurance covers damage to property and possessions as well as living expenses for temporary accommodation
• Standard insurance does not usually include coverage for earthquake events
• The cost of earthquake insurance increases with the risk:
  • In California the cost is high as the state is located on multiple fault lines
• The cost is also affected by the:
  • Age of the building – newer buildings are built of better materials and can be earthquake-resistant
  • Number of stories – taller buildings are at greater risk of collapse
  • Materials used – wood frames are more flexible and less likely to collapse
  • Foundations – raised foundations and foundations in sandy soil reduce the risk of collapse
• In Japan, residents can claim tax deductions on earthquake insurance, which reduces the cost

Advantages and disadvantages of earthquake insurance

Advantages	Disadvantages
Property damage and loss of possessions are covered In low-risk areas, the cost of insurance is lower The cost of alternative accommodation is covered if you are not able to return to your property	The cost is higher if you are in a high-risk area; this can make it unaffordable for people on lower incomes The excess (the amount paid by the insured person towards the costs) is higher for earthquake insurance – it may be a percentage of the value of the property