When disaster strikes in cities the effects can be catastrophic compared to other environments. But what factors actually determine the vulnerability or resilience of cities? The Vulnerability of Cities fills a vital gap in disaster studies by examining the too-often overlooked impact of disasters on cities; the conditions leading to high losses from urban disasters and why some households and communities withstand disaster more effectively than others. Mark Pelling takes a fresh look at the literature on disasters and urbanization in light of recent catastrophes. He presents three detailed studies of cities in the global South; drawn from countries with contrasting political and developmental contexts: Bridgetown; Barbados - a liberal democracy; Georgetown; Guyana - a post socialist-state; and Santo Domingo; Dominican Republic - an authoritarian state in democratic transition. This book demonstrates that strengthening local capacity - through appropriate housing; disaster-preparedness; infrastructure and livelihoods - is crucial to improving civic resilience to disasters. Equally important are strong partnerships between local community-based organizations; external non-governmental and governmental organizations; public and private sectors and between city and national government. The author highlights and discusses these best practices for handling urban disasters.With rapid urbanization across the globe; this book is a must-read for professionals; policy-makers; students and researchers in disaster management; urban development and planning; transport planning; architecture; social studies and earth sciences.
#2351164 in eBooks 2015-09-23 2015-09-23File Name: B008FNBOBI
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