WORKING SESSION
Technological Hazards: From Risk Reduction to Recovery
Brief & Concept Note
Brief
1. Why is this topic important ?
As a consequence of urbanization and growing industrialization, the risk of industrial
accidents due to man-made causes or as a result of a natural disaster is increasing. In fact,
the last few years have set a record in the number and scale of natural disasters
accompanied by unprecedented damage to industrial facilities. Examples include the
floods in Thailand and the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in 2011, the Wenchuan
earthquake in 2008, and Hurricane Katrina and Rita in 2005. The resulting fires, explosions
and toxic releases – so-called “Natech” accidents have often had significant social,
environmental and economic impacts whose repercussions have been felt around the
globe. Consequently, the UN General Assembly Resolution for International Cooperation
on Humanitarian Assistance in the Field of Natural Disasters, has recognized that “due
regard should be given to secondary environmental hazards stemming from industrial and
technical accidents as a consequence of natural disasters”.
Despite stricter regulations of industrial activities and a growing body of research, the risk
of man-made industrial accidents and Natech events is increasing. This raises the question
of whether disaster risk reduction and management frameworks adequately address the
issue of technological hazards and whether risk governance needs to be strengthened.
Similarly, it casts doubt on the adequacy of the protection measures in place to prevent
accidents from happening or for mitigating their consequences, in particular for Natech
events.
2. What gaps need to be filled?
One of the main concerns is how to reduce this type of risk, making it necessary to revisit
existing expertise and practices in risk assessment and emergency-response planning at
industrial facilities and in potentially affected communities. Dedicated measures for
Natech risk reduction are required at national and local levels, at policy as well as practical
level.
3. What commitments are expected?
To be confirmed
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Concept Note
Schedule
Saturday 14 March 2015, 13:00-14:30
Room and Venue
Main Hall, Sendai International Conference Centre
Organizing Team
Government of Japan, Joint Research Centre-European Commission,
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC),
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Peace
Boat, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP), United Nations Office for the
Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), United Nations Office
for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR)
UNISDR Focal Points
Glenn Dolcemascolo (dolcemascolo@un.org)
Background and
Rationale
Economic and social development relies extensively on the infrastructure
and facilities for energy, water, transportation and industrial production.
When disaster strikes, the impacts on these can have dramatic and long
lasting effects on communities, environment and the economy. Dam
breaks, contamination of water and soil from chemicals, waste and other
pollutants are well documented. While facilities have established risk
reduction measures, these are often managed in isolation from broader
disaster risk reduction efforts. This session will look at the experiences
and commitments of countries, cities and private sector partners who are
pioneering holistic approaches to address the technological risks
associated with disaster. The session will build on lessons learned from
Fukushima and Chernobyl, in particular the recovery and rehabilitation
work, as well as the lessons from chemical accidents and oil spills
triggered by natural disasters in recent years.
This Working Session on technological hazards will demonstrate the
readiness of countries and partners to address technological hazards in
the implementation of the post-2015 framework for disaster risk
reduction.
Session Objectives
This session will aim to:
 Promote approaches that integrate technological hazards, into
disaster prevention, preparedness and response.
 Draw on lessons from past disasters to highlight the role of actions
such as assessing risk; strengthening coordination and governance;
ensuring availability of public information and promoting community
engagement; preparing for response and recovery; and engaging the
private sector.
 Present a vision and suggest ways forward in cooperation in these
areas.
Discussion agenda and
structure
1. Introduction and welcoming remarks (7 mns)
2. Panel discussion (40 minutes)
3. Interactive guided discussion (40mns)
4. Wrap up and conclusion by the moderator (3 mns)
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• Greater clarity on the scope of issues related to technological hazards that
require attention in the implementation of the post 2015 framework for
disaster risk reduction
• Illustration of how countries and partners are preparing to address
technological hazards in the implementation of the post 2015 framework
for disaster risk reduction
Expected outcomes
Commitment / special
announcement in
support of a post-2015
framework for DRR
To be confirmed.
Expected number of
participants
300
Background documents
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