Principles and practices for disaster management, humanitarian action and climate change adaptation

Climate change, disasters and conflicts are the greatest threats to humanity and planet Earth. In this unit you will consider multi-faceted approaches to the study of the diverse risks and impacts of all types of disasters and humanitarian crises including those associated with climate change, natural, technological and societal hazards, conflicts, and epidemics and pandemics. You will explore practical measures for risk assessment, reducing hazards, exposures and vulnerabilities, and strengthening prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery by applying multidisciplinary , whole-of-society, risk-based and systemic approaches that bridge the “community, local, national, regional and global”, the “development and humanitarian", "disaster risks and events", “strengths and vulnerabilities” and "sectoral and multisectoral" dimensions of disasters and humanitarian crises.

You will examine national, regional and global systems for disaster risk management and humanitarian action and apply the terminology, classification, epidemiology, and global trends of disasters and humanitarian crises. You will interpret international and national frameworks, standards and guidelines and evaluate the way in which these inform policy, practice, education and research opportunities for professionals working in disaster risk management and humanitarian action . This broad and critical conceptual and practical understanding of risks and impacts of disasters and humanitarian crises will prepare you for, and strengthen, your professional roles in disaster risk management and humanitarian crisis management.