What’s this about?
Welcome to "Disaster Risk in Evolving Landscapes"! This essay series explores how our communities and societies are shaped by disaster risk and vice versa. This initiative seeks to bridge academic rigor with accessible insights and relatable anecdotes. To broaden perspectives on disaster risk, I am on a journey to undertake extensive interdisciplinary readings, analyze archival documents from diverse geographical locations, and document this journey through a series of essays. The objective is to blend cutting-edge research with personal narratives, offering a comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationship between societal evolution and disaster risk.
Why am I doing this?
I completed PhD recently, in December 2023, focusing on Structural & Earthquake Engineering at the University of British Columbia Vancouver, working towards understanding earthquake risks in cities due to existing old infrastructure and amplified ground shaking due to unique geology called sedimentary basins to inform policy decisions. Although understanding risk from the physical infrastructure, such as vulnerable buildings, bridges, dams, etc., is a complex problem, I have recognized various real-world pressures that extend beyond the purview of an engineering doctoral dissertation. The impacts of resource allocations, risk awareness and perception, the role of risk governance and financing mechanisms, etc., are intricate, essential, and interesting problems. I aim to bring a holistic perspective analyzing real-life examples of risk reduction efforts (or lack thereof!) with insights from academic research.
Stay up-to-date
I am embarking on an uncertain terrain with these essays, which parallels the inherent uncertainty within the topics they aim to explore. Your engagement and thoughts on the subjects discussed in these essays would be highly valued and welcome. Kindly subscribe to the newsletter to receive bi-monthly essays delving into themes that intertwine societal change with disasters as a focal lens.
Join the crew
Be part of a community of people who share your interests.
To find out more about the company that provides the tech for this newsletter, visit Substack.com.
