Hurricane Katrina illuminated the high societal and economic consequences of disaster-prone coastal regions and challenged us to consider where other catastrophic scenarios might occur. Locating flood- and hurricane wind-prone coastal regions is only one piece of the risk identification puzzle. We must also consider who and what is exposed to various coastal hazards, as well as their respective vulnerabilities.
Approximately 60% of the benefits that the global ecosystem provides to support life on Earth (such as fresh water, clean air and a relatively stable climate) are being degraded or used unsustainably. In the Millenium Ecosystem Assessment, scientists warn that harmful consequences of this degradation to human health are already being felt and could grow significantly worse over the next 50 years. These benefits are not enjoyed equally. And the risks we face now from ecosystem degradation, particularly among poor populations directly dependent on natural ecosystems for many basic needs, has to be addressed. Human health is strongly linked to the health of ecosystems, which meet many of our most critical needs. The health sector needs planning with other sectors, to ensure the greatest benefit from ecosystems for good health - now and in the future.
Session Chair, Chip Blacker, Chairperson Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, Stanford Univeristy
Speakers:
Laurie Johnson, Risk Management Solutions
“Assessing and Managing Coastal Risk: Where are the 'future Katrinas' and can we avoid them?”
Pamela Matson, Dean School of Earth Sciences, Stanford University
“Ecosytems Services and the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment”