Between 1990 and 2007 the European Union witnessed a marked increase in the number and severity of both natural and man-made disasters, with a particularly significant increase in the former. The loss of human life, the destruction of economic and social infrastructure and the degradation of already fragile ecosystems is expected to worsen as climate change increases the frequency and magnitude of extreme meteorological events, such as heat waves, storms
and heavy rains.
Analyses carried out by the UN and other international organisations have highlighted a growing vulnerability to disasters, partly as a consequence of increasingly intensive land use, industrial development, urban expansion and infrastructure construction. The Community has already developed a set of instruments to address various aspects of disaster preparedness, response and recovery. There are also a number of sector-specific
initiatives covering floods, technological disasters, and oil spills which deal with elements of disaster prevention. There is, however, no strategic approach, at the Community level, for disaster prevention.
The objective of this Communication is to identify measures which could be included in a Community strategy for the prevention of natural and man-made disasters, building upon and linking existing measures. Prevention is understood as where possible preventing disasters from happening, and where they are unavoidable taking steps to minimise their impacts.
This Communication follows up on the commitment made by the Commission to develop proposals on disaster prevention and responds to the calls of the European Parliament and the Council for increased action at Community level to prevent disasters and mitigate their impacts. It contributes to the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015 and is part of a package comprising an external and internal dimension. It does not cover conflict-related complex emergencies or acts of terrorism.
Com 2009_82_EN (