1.6 - Vulnerability And Resilience

Question 1

How does access to housing influence vulnerability

Answer 1

• Lack of access: Rapid urbanisation in places like Haiti leads to overcrowded slums with poor infrastructure, increasing vulnerability to disasters like floods or building collapses.
• Good access: Affordable and safe housing, as seen in Sweden and Canada, reduces displacement and improves well-being and community stability.

Question 2

How does access to education influence vulnerability

Answer 2

• Lack of access: Poor education limits job prospects and the ability to handle risks (e.g., in parts of sub-Saharan Africa), leaving communities more vulnerable.
• Good access: Education improves adaptability and preparedness, like in Japan where tsunami awareness helps reduce disaster impact.

Question 3

How does access to healthcare influence vulnerability

Answer 3

• Lack of access: In areas like remote Indigenous communities, poor healthcare access increases risk from disease and injuries.
• Good access: Universal healthcare systems (e.g., UK’s NHS) help manage everyday and emergency health needs, reducing vulnerability.

Question 4

How does access to income opportunities influence vulnerability

Answer 4

• Lack of access: Without stable jobs or income, people struggle to prepare for or recover from emergencies, increasing poverty and risk.
• Good access: Access to stable employment and strong social systems, like in Nordic countries, allows people to recover from disasters and invest in their future.

Question 5

How does governance influence vulnerability

Answer 5

• Poor governance: Increases vulnerability during crises due to corruption or lack of effective response (e.g., Haiti).
• Good governance: Builds resilience through planning, inclusive policies, and efficient crisis management (e.g., New Zealand).

Question 6

How does population density influence vulnerability

Answer 6

• High, poorly managed density: Raises vulnerability due to overcrowding and strained infrastructure (e.g., Mumbai).
• High, well-managed density: Can enhance resilience with strong planning and systems (e.g., Singapore).

Question 7

How does accessibility and connectivity influence vulnerability

Answer 7

• Poor accessibility: Isolated areas struggle during disasters due to limited access to services (e.g., rural Himalayas).
• Good connectivity: Well-connected areas can access aid and evacuate more easily, improving resilience.

Question 8

How does urbanisation influence vulnerability

Answer 8

• Unplanned urbanisation: Leads to slums, poor infrastructure, and environmental issues (e.g., some Indian cities), increasing risk.
• Well-managed urbanisation: Enhances resilience through sustainable infrastructure and resource efficiency (e.g., Copenhagen).

Question 9

Ways of mitigating risk and vulnerability

Answer 9

• Warning and emergency-response systems
• Economic wealth
• Government disaster-assistance programmes
• Insurance
• Community initiatives
• Scientific understanding
• Hazard engineering

Question 10

Ways that risk increases

Answer 10

• population growth
• Urbanisation and urban sprawl
• Environmental degradation
• Loss of community memory about hazards
• Very young, or very old population
• Ageing, inadequate infrastructure
• Greater reliance on power, water and communication systems