Environmental disasters have become an increasing concern for communities globally. These disasters come in various forms, including natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes and man-made disasters such as oil spills and chemical accidents. The frequency and severity of environmental disasters have risen in recent years, making it crucial to understand their causes and consequences. This paper reviews six articles that examine different aspects of environmental disasters, including their causes, impacts, and responses. The articles provide a comprehensive view of the challenges faced by communities and the strategies that can be implemented to mitigate the effects of these disasters. Through thoroughly analyzing these articles, the reader gains a deeper understanding of the complexities of environmental disasters and their potential impacts on future generations.
Furedi, F. (2007). The changing meaning of disaster. Area, 39(4), 482-489.
In the article, Furedi (2007) explores the evolution of the concept of disaster and its impact on society. The author argues that the meaning of disaster has changed over time and is now more expansive, encompassing a wide range of events and circumstances. This change is attributed to the impact of media and technology, which have increased public awareness of disasters, and the role of fear and anxiety in shaping public perception. The author also highlights the growing cultural significance of disasters and the implications for disaster response and management.
One of the key points made by Furedi (2007) is that media and technology have significantly impacted the meaning of disaster. The rapid dissemination of information and images about disasters and the increasing use of social media has brought disasters to the forefront of public consciousness. This has led to heightened awareness and concern about the potential for future disasters and their risks. Furthermore, the author argues that fear and anxiety are crucial in shaping public perception of disasters. The media can amplify these feelings by emphasizing the potential for future disasters and the associated risks, leading to increased public concern and a heightened sense of urgency to address the issue.
In addition to the impact of media and technology, the author also highlights the growing cultural significance of disasters. Disasters are now seen as a central aspect of contemporary life and are increasingly viewed as a critical concern regarding environmental and social risks. This growing cultural significance has essential implications for disaster response and management, including the need for more effective communication and information-sharing and a greater emphasis on risk assessment and preparedness.
In conclusion, Furedi’s (2007) article provides valuable insight into the changing meaning of disaster and its impact on society. The author argues that the definition of disaster has expanded over time and that this is due, in part, to the impact of media and technology, as well as the role of fear and anxiety. The article also highlights the growing cultural significance of disasters and the implications for disaster response and management, making it a valuable resource for those interested in understanding the changing landscape of disaster and its impact on society.
Vallero, D. A. (2012). Unraveling environmental disasters. Newnes.
Chapter 1 of this book by Vallero (2012) provides a comprehensive overview of the concept of failure in the context of environmental disasters. The author defines failure as the inability to prevent or manage an environmental disaster, which can significantly harm the environment, human health, and the economy. The author discusses different types of failure, including technical, institutional, and cultural, and examines the factors that contribute to failure, including inadequate regulations, poor planning and management, lack of public awareness, and complacency.
One of the critical insights of the chapter is the importance of understanding the consequences of failure in environmental disasters. The author argues that failure in these events can significantly harm the environment and human health and have long-term impacts on the economy. For example, failing to prevent or manage an environmental disaster can result in widespread environmental degradation, loss of human life, and economic damage.
The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of preventing and managing failure in environmental disasters. The author argues that effective management requires a comprehensive and integrated approach that considers the complex and interrelated factors contributing to failure. This approach should also consider the consequences of failure and strive to minimize their impact on the environment, human health, and the economy.
Conclusively, Chapter 1 of “Unraveling Environmental Disasters” provides valuable insights into the concept of failure in the context of environmental disasters. The author’s comprehensive and integrated approach to understanding and preventing failure is fundamental in today’s world, where the risks posed by environmental disasters are increasing. By highlighting the causes, consequences, and management of failure in ecological disasters, the author provides a valuable framework for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners working in environmental science, sustainability, and emergency management.
Marshall, B. K., & Picou, J. S. (2008). Postnormal science, precautionary principle, and worst cases: The challenge of twenty-first-century catastrophes. Sociological Inquiry, 78(2), 230-247.
In their article, Marshall and Picou critically examine the concept of Postnormal Science and its potential applications in the face of contemporary catastrophes. The authors argue that Postnormal Science represents a response to the challenges posed by these catastrophic events, which are characterized by high levels of uncertainty, ambiguity, and conflicting values. In particular, they focus on the importance of the Precautionary Principle as a critical component in addressing the risks posed by these events and highlight the criteria that need to be met to apply it effectively.
One of the key arguments made in the article is that Postnormal Science offers a framework for dealing with the complex and interconnected risks posed by twenty-first-century catastrophes. The authors note that these events often involve multiple scientific disciplines, multiple stakeholders, and a variety of conflicting values and interests. In this context, traditional science and risk management approaches may need to be revised. There is a need for interdisciplinary collaboration and the incorporation of stakeholder perspectives to address these risks effectively.
The authors also emphasize the importance of considering the Worst Cases in applying Postnormal Science and the Precautionary Principle. They argue that Worst Cases provide a framework for assessing and mitigating the potential consequences of catastrophes and can help ensure that effective risk management strategies are implemented. This is particularly important in the context of global environmental challenges such as climate change, where the consequences of inaction can be severe and long-lasting.
Despite the potential benefits of Postnormal Science, the authors acknowledge several challenges associated with its application. These include the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, the difficulty of dealing with complex and interconnected risks, and the need to incorporate stakeholder perspectives in decision-making processes. These challenges can be addressed by developing new interdisciplinary approaches to science and risk management and creating new institutional structures that allow for effective collaboration between scientific experts and stakeholders.
The authors also argue that Postnormal Science and the Precautionary Principle offer essential insights for future research and policy, particularly in climate change and other global environmental challenges. They suggest that these approaches provide a foundation for more effective risk management and policy-making in the face of uncertainty and ambiguity and that they have the potential to help us more effectively address the challenges posed by twenty-first-century catastrophes.
In conclusion, the article provides a valuable contribution to the literature on Postnormal Science and its potential applications in the context of recent catastrophes. It highlights the importance of the Precautionary Principle and Worst Cases as critical components in addressing these risks and outlines the challenges that must be overcome to apply Postnormal Science effectively. The authors’ arguments have significant implications for future research and policy, and their insights will likely interest scholars and policymakers working in environmental science, risk management, and policy-making.
Smart, B. (2019). An Unsustainable Modernity: democracy, the global climate emergency and environmental ethics. Journal ISSN, 1467, 0437.
In his article Smart (2019) provides a valuable contribution to the literature on environmental ethics, democracy, and sustainability. The author argues that modernity is unsustainable in the face of the global climate emergency and that existing environmental policies are insufficient to address the challenge. One of the key themes in the article is the role of democracy in addressing the global climate emergency. The author suggests that democracy is an essential factor in shaping public attitudes and policies towards sustainability and that democratic processes can help to promote transparency, accountability, and public participation in decision-making. This is particularly important given the complex and multifaceted nature of the global climate emergency, which requires collective action from governments, communities, and individuals.
Another critical theme in the article is the importance of environmental ethics in shaping our responses to the global climate emergency. The author argues that environmental ethics can help promote a sense of moral responsibility towards the environment and provide a basis for developing sustainable practices and policies. This is particularly important given the cultural and ethical dimensions of sustainability, which are often overlooked in existing environmental policies.
The author also highlights the limitations of existing environmental policies, which are limited by their narrow focus on economic and technological solutions. The author suggests that more comprehensive and holistic approaches are needed, considering sustainability’s ethical and cultural dimensions. This is particularly important given the global and intergenerational nature of the climate emergency, which requires collective action across borders and over time. Finally, the author argues that further research is needed to understand better the relationships between democracy, environmental ethics, and sustainability and that this research should inform future policy-making. The author suggests we effectively address the global climate emergency and secure a sustainable future through a deeper engagement with environmental ethics and a commitment to sustainable development.
In conclusion, the article contributes to the literature on environmental ethics, democracy, and sustainability. The author’s argument that modernity is unsustainable in the face of the global climate emergency highlights the need for a more comprehensive and holistic approach to environmental policy. The author’s emphasis on environmental ethics and democratic processes provides essential insights for future research and policy. It will likely interest scholars and policymakers working in environmental science, sustainability, and ethics.
Tierney, K. J. (2007). From the margins to the mainstream? Disaster research at the crossroads. Annu. Rev. Sociol., 33, 503-525.
In “From the Margins to the Mainstream? ” Disaster Research at the Crossroads,” Tierney (2007) provides a comprehensive overview of disaster research challenges and opportunities. The author examines the field’s evolution and argues that while it has grown significantly, it still faces significant challenges in interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating different perspectives, and public engagement.
One of the critical challenges to interdisciplinary collaboration in disaster research is the differences in epistemologies and methods between different disciplines. This can result in a lack of common language and understanding, impeding collaboration and integration. To address these challenges, the author emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to disaster research that considers disasters’ social, economic, political, and environmental dimensions. This approach should consider how different groups are affected by disasters and how they respond.
The author also discusses the role of technology in disaster response and argues that it has the potential to enhance disaster response efforts significantly. However, using technology in disaster response raises essential ethical and privacy concerns, which must be considered and addressed. Moreover, the author highlights the importance of public engagement in disaster research and argues that the perspectives of affected communities should be central to the research process. Researchers must engage with affected communities, understand their perspectives, and incorporate their views into disaster research and response efforts. This public engagement can ensure that disaster research is relevant and responsive to the needs of affected communities.
In conclusion, Tierney’s (2007) article provides a valuable perspective on disaster research challenges and opportunities. The author’s emphasis on the importance of a holistic approach, the role of technology in disaster response, and public engagement highlight the need for continued growth and innovation in the field. By addressing these challenges, disaster research can continue to evolve and make meaningful contributions to our understanding of disasters and how to respond to them.
Freudenburg, W. R. (1997). Contamination, corrosion and the social order: An overview. Current Sociology, 45(3), 19-39.
The article provides an insightful overview of the relationship between contamination, corrosion, and social order. The article argues that contamination and corrosion can have far-reaching impacts on the social order, undermining trust, stability, and security. Contamination is the spread of something unwanted, such as pollution, into the environment, while corrosion is defined as the gradual destruction of something, such as the decline of social order. The author argues that contamination and corrosion can cause significant harm to the social order by creating public health problems, economic costs, and loss of social capital.
In addition to the harmful impacts of contamination and corrosion, Freudenburg (1997). also discusses how the meanings and interpretations of these issues are socially constructed and shaped by cultural, political, and economic factors. This highlights the importance of taking a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach when addressing contamination and corrosion. The author argues that addressing these issues requires a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach that considers contamination and corrosion’s social, economic, and cultural dimensions. This may include policy interventions, community-based efforts, and educational initiatives. Policy interventions could consist of regulations and laws aimed at reducing the release of pollutants into the environment and promoting the use of environmentally-friendly technologies. Community-based efforts could involve local groups working together to address contamination and corrosion issues in their communities, such as through cleanup efforts and advocacy campaigns. Finally, educational initiatives could raise public awareness about the impacts of contamination and corrosion and encourage individuals to take action to reduce their adverse effects.
In conclusion, the article provides a valuable contribution to understanding the relationship between contamination, corrosion, and social order. It highlights the far-reaching impacts of these issues and the importance of taking a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to addressing them. The article provides valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and community leaders as they work to create a more sustainable and equitable future.
References
Freudenburg, W. R. (1997). Contamination, corrosion and the social order: An overview. Current Sociology, 45(3), 19-39.
Furedi, F. (2007). The changing meaning of disaster. Area, 39(4), 482-489.
Tierney, K. J. (2007). From the margins to the mainstream? Disaster research at the crossroads. Annu. Rev. Sociol., 33, 503-525.
Vallero, D. A. (2012). Unravelling environmental disasters. Newnes.
Marshall, B. K., & Picou, J. S. (2008). Postnormal science, precautionary principle, and worst cases: The challenge of twenty-first-century catastrophes. Sociological Inquiry, 78(2), 230-247.
Smart, B. (2019). An Unsustainable Modernity: democracy, the global climate emergency and environmental ethics. Journal ISSN, 1467, 0437.
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