Engage scientists from the start

IN an era characterized by the escalating frequency and severity of natural disasters, the imperative role of scientists in project planning and disaster management has never been more pronounced. Engaging scientific expertise from the inception of any project or program, rather than as a reactive measure post-disaster, yields multifaceted benefits that significantly enhance the resilience and sustainability of communities.

One of the primary advantages of early scientific involvement is the capacity to conduct comprehensive risk assessments. Scientists possess the acumen to analyze potential hazards, vulnerabilities and exposures, thereby facilitating the identification of risks prior to their manifestation. This proactive approach enables the design of projects with integrated mitigation strategies, thereby attenuating the likelihood of disasters. For instance, urban planners collaborating with geologists can circumvent the construction of edifices on fault lines, while agricultural initiatives can incorporate climate-resilient crops to withstand extreme meteorological conditions.