Every year, millions of people are affected by disasters caused by extreme natural events such as earthquakes, storms or floods. However, whether such events become disasters depends not only on their severity, but also on social factors such as poverty, inadequate infrastructure and limited access to health services. Targeted measures such as expanding education and health, combating poverty, using early warning systems and investing in climate and environmental protection can significantly reduce the risk. This strengthens the resilience of societies and helps them to cope better with the effects of extreme natural events.
The WorldRiskReport 2024 focuses on "Multiple Crises". Multiple crises such as natural disasters, pandemics, conflicts and climate change are increasingly reinforcing each other and jeopardising global goals such as the Sustainable Development Goals. Their effects range from global food insecurity to individual existential and health crises. In order to meet these challenges, innovative approaches, greater international cooperation and integrated strategies for prevention and disaster management are needed to strengthen the resilience of societies in the long term.
Dorothee Klüppel, Head of the Africa and Middle East Department at Misereor, writes in the WorldRiskReport about the profound impact of multiple crises on women's mental health and well-being and their ability to create prospects for their lives and those of their families. In addition to the complex realities of life in countries such as South Sudan, where they face not only armed conflict but also food shortages and the consequences of extreme natural events, they are also confronted with strong emotional challenges. In these contexts, women in particular often struggle with limited rights and opportunities, such as difficult access to health services. The article explains how those affected remain resilient despite the stresses and strains and emphasises the central importance of trauma-sensitive and intersectional approaches for comprehensive crisis management. You can read the full article in the WeltRisiko report on page 25.
