[MUSIC PLAYING]
SILVIA HOSTETTLER: Disasters linked to natural hazards
happen everywhere in the world, and they are
very likely to increase in the future.
Between 1994 and 2013, earthquakes caused 750,000 deaths
and affected 121 million people.
Economic damages are estimated at $660 billion.
While floods kill less people, 160,000, it affected over 2.4 billion people.
During the same period, landslides led to 18,000 deaths,
affecting six million people and leading to economic damages of $4.3 billion US
dollars.
Rapid urbanization is leading to an increased proportion of people at risk,
especially in coastal areas.
In addition, more than half of the world's largest cities
are facing high risk from earthquakes.
Science and technology can help prevent and reduce the potential consequences
of natural hazards.
They can help build resilience of communities
and lead to more sustainable development.
Investments and the use of science and technology
have proven to be effective in reducing the impacts of natural hazards.
For example, in 1991, 138,000 people were killed
by a Category 4 cyclone in Bangladesh.
Later, investments were made in enbankments, protective mangrove
planting, early warning, risk awareness and contingency
planning, and the construction of cyclone shelters.
In 2007, when a Category 5 cyclone hit Bangladesh again, loss of human life
was reduced 26 times and limited to 5,000 casualties.
The MOOC "A Resilient Future: Science and Technology for Disaster Risk
Reduction," developed by EPFL, aims to introduce you to existing and emerging
technologies in DRR while promoting the overall goal
of sustainable development.
This MOOC covers the main DRR topics-- risk assessment,
prevention, preparedness and early warning,
disaster response and emergency relief, reconstruction,
and resilience-building.
We will focus on three main hazards-- floods, landslides, and earthquakes.
I am Dr. Sylvia Hostettler, Deputy Director of the Cooperation
and Development Center at the EPFL.
Using case studies examples in videos, invited guest speakers, EPLF lecturers,
and myself, we'll discuss the potential benefits, the challenges,
and the limitations of using new science and technology in DRR in developed
and developing countries.
I hope you will join this course to learn more about science and technology
for disaster risk reduction.
I would also like to invite you to share your experience in science
and technology and DRR with me and the other course
participants via the online forum.
I am looking forward to our discussions, and I hope you will enjoy this course.