Natural Disasters: Risk Reduction and Emergency Response Techniques

Every December, to commemorate Human Rights Day and the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the Center for International Human Rights hosts an event examining one relevant and formative human rights issue. This year, the focus of our UDHR event will be on Disasters Risk Reduction and Emergency Preparedness.

The recent succession of natural disasters has given rise to a series of critical questions regarding preemptive risk management and a government’s responsibility for environmental protection. Our event will host a panel discussion in which speakers will examine the following questions: How can states develop a proactive approach to urban planning and infrastructure in order to reduce disaster risks? How should environmental law be prescribed in order to ensure the preservation of the land, air, and oceans that make up our shared ecosystem? The dialogue will critically examine the role of state actors and intergovernmental, as well as non-governmental, organizations in (1) adopting a preventative role in risk management through policy decisions and enforcement of environmental law and (2) carrying out efficient emergency response techniques after a natural disaster has occurred.

PANELISTS

Jo Scheuer: Director, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction, UNDP
Angel Munoz: Postdoctoral Research Associate, Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, Princeton University
Melissa Umberger: Recovery and Mitigation Program manager, NYC Emergency Management Department

MODERATOR

George Andreopoulos: Professor of Political Science, John Jay College and the Graduate Center, CUNY

RSVP HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/natural-disasters-risk-reduction-and-emergency-response-techniques-tickets-40887329102