Launch of the WorldRiskReport 2012 - invitation to a briefing

In the run up for the International Day for Disaster Reduction (October 13), the UN University and its partners are presenting the 2nd Edition of the "WorldRiskReport 2012: Environmental degradation increases disaster risk worldwide."

The central element of the WorldRiskReport, the concept of the WorldRiskIndex, illustrates with one number the risk of various countries and regions to be hit by a disaster. Hence it shows particularly adaptation needs and disaster risk reduction has to be a priority. Special emphasis is put on exposure, susceptibility of the population, coping capacities and adaptation strategies.

When? 11 October 2012

10.00-11.30 Briefing – Presentation of Key findings

11.30-12.00 For media possibility for one-on-one interviews

Where? UNRIC Meeting room, rue de la Loi/Wetstraat, 155, B-1040 Brussels. 8th Floor. Entrance Block C2

Who?

• Prof. Dr. Jakob Rhyner, Vice Rector in Europe and Director Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS), United Nations University, Bonn/ Germany;
• PD Dr Jörn Birkmann, Scientific Head of the WorldRiskIndex project at UNU-EHS,
• Peter Mucke, Editor WorldRiskReport, Managing Director of Bündnis Entwicklung Hilft (Alliance Development Works), Berlin/Germany;
• Christine Shepard, Global Marine Team, The Nature Conservancy (TNC).

Information kits will be available at the briefing.

The report will be presented in English. Other languages for one-on-one interviews: German, French

Please confirm participation by mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

For more information, please contact:

• Alice Fiser, UN University, + 49-228-815-0219 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Nina Brodbeck, Bündnis Entwicklung Hilft, + 49-30-27877-393 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Geraldine Henrich-Koenis, The Nature Conservancy, +001-703- 3141137 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Alexandra Froger, UNRIC, + 32 2 788 84 61 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Jean-Luc Onckelinx, UNRIC, +32 476 215 485 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Background on the report:

The 2nd edition of the WorldRiskReport 2012 has devoted its focus to a significant driver of disasters - the worldwide increase in environmental degradation. In comparison to the last year's edition the index has changed in the field of environmental indicators, as the basic input data and indicators were updated respectively modified. Next to the updated source of data, the report also contains a world map showing the coastal reef degradation in different countries.

When the full force of nature hits human settlements, this can have disastrous results: The lives of countless people are threatened, and through the destruction of buildings and infrastructure, progress made over years of development is destroyed in many countries. However, it is not alone the strength of a natural event that determines the extent of harm and damages. The risk a country runs of becoming a victim depends crucially on social, economic and institutional factors – in a nutshell, the condition of society within that country.

The WorldRiskReport is edited and published by Bündnis Entwicklung Hilft (Alliance Development Works). It has been developed in cooperation with UNU-EHS. The report combines the expertise of development practitioners, the scientific knowledge of the UN University as well as special knowledge on environmental degradation and nature conservation of TNC given the special focus of the 2nd edition of the report.