Natural hazards
Scientific certainties and uncertainties
Natural hazards such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, droughts and volcanic eruptions are rarely out of the news. Every year they are responsible for many deaths and serious injuries, they destroy livelihoods and damage economies. Scientists predict that climate change will affect the frequency and severity of some natural hazards.
Most natural hazards cannot be prevented but by understanding how and where they occur, what causes them, and what circumstances increase their ferocity, we can develop effective strategies to reduce the damage they cause.
The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) is the UK's leading environmental research organisation. NERC scientists advise the UK government on ways to minimise the risk of natural hazards.
In this briefing note we look at some major natural hazards and what risks they pose to life, the economy and the environment.