How disaster-ready are African countries? Study of 5 shows some progress, but also huge gaps

By Olasunkanmi Habeeb Okunola, Senior Research Associate, United Nations University – Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS), United Nations University

When we hear the word “disaster” we often think of floods, droughts or earthquakes – events caused by nature. But what really turns these events into disasters is how prepared we are to deal with them. A flood becomes a disaster when people do not have safe housing, early warnings or emergency support.

In other words, disasters often show us what’s missing in our preparation. Yet, with climate extremes becoming more frequent and communities under growing pressure, countries do not have the luxury of time when it comes to disaster planning.

I’ve been researching…

Read complete article

~	Wolves have returned to Denmark, and not everyone is happy about it

~	The return of Kokpar as Kazakhstan’s modern national sport

~	Will Trump’s ceasefire plan really lead to lasting peace in the Middle East? There’s still a long way to go

~	Rural women farmers in South Africa: how global promises aren’t translating into support on the ground

~	China and the US are in a race for critical minerals. African countries need to make the rules

~	How data gaps deepen climate injustice in the Himalayas

~	Diane Keaton thrived in the world of humour – and had the dramatic acting chops to back it up

~	Wild honeybees now officially listed as endangered in the EU

~	Since 2020, 4 of Australia’s natural World Heritage properties have deteriorated

~	Natural World Heritage sites under growing threat, but bright spots remain