Commentary: Natural disasters are becoming man-made catastrophes

These so-calledare often construed as “Acts of God,” both actuarially and colloquially, but most of time the blame more fairly lies on human actions.

Many areas were reported to have received between 150mm and 240mm of precipitation, with the town of Al-Bayda getting 414.1mm. By comparison, in an average year, the coastal city of Derna - the epicentre of Libya’s resulting crisis - gets just 274mm of rain.Libya’s experience has been especially catastrophic. Rain is one thing, but the collapse of two huge dams is another.a tsunami-size torrent on top of DernaA rapid attribution study found that climate change played a role in the events.

But that’s not all. As Otto likes to make clear, disasters happen when hazards collide with vulnerability. In 2021, a report said the dams hadn’t been maintained despite the allocation of more than US$2 million in 2012 and 2013. There will now be anA view shows destroyed buildings in the aftermath of the the deadly storm that hit Libya, in Derna, Libya September 21, 2023. REUTERS/Zohra Bensemra

FILE PHOTO: People who survived the deadly storm that hit Libya, protest outside the Al Sahaba mosque against the government in Derna, Libya September 18, 2023. The sign reads: "The sad city of Derna demands its rights". REUTERS/Zohra Bensemra/File photoFor years, discussion around how to adapt to a rapidly changing climate was hindered by many who argued that it would reduce pressure to cut emissions.

Elsewhere, land management decisions have transformed absorbent wetlands into slick concrete - a factor behind the 2021 floods in Germany - and societal structures have made certain groups more exposed, such as in India where caste-based discrimination prevented some from entering evacuation shelters during cyclones.FUNDING CLIMATE ADAPTATIONS

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