Scientific evidence for ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction

Sudmeier-Rieux, K. et al. (2021) Scientific evidence for ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction. Nature Sustainability, 4(9), pp. 803-810. (doi: 10.1038/s41893-021-00732-4)

Abstract

Ecosystems play a potentially important role in sustainably reducing the risk of disaster events worldwide. Yet, to date, there are few comprehensive studies that summarize the state of knowledge of ecosystem services and functions for disaster risk reduction. This paper builds scientific evidence through a review of 529 English-language articles published between 2000 and 2019. It catalogues the extent of knowledge on, and confidence in, ecosystems in reducing disaster risk. The data demonstrate robust links and cost-effectiveness between certain ecosystems in reducing specific hazards, something that was revealed to be particularly true for the role of vegetation in the stabilization of steep slopes. However, the published research was limited in geographic distribution and scope, with a concentration on urban areas of the Global North, with insufficient relevant research on coastal, dryland and watershed areas, especially in the Global South. Many types of ecosystem can provide sustainable and multifunctional approaches to disaster risk reduction. Yet, if they are to play a greater role, more attention is needed to fill research gaps and develop performance standards.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Renaud, Professor Fabrice

Creator Roles

Renaud, F. G.: Funding acquisition, Methodology, Data curation, Formal analysis, Writing – review and editing

• Authors: Sudmeier-Rieux, K., Arce-Mojica, T., Boehmer, H. J., Doswald, N., Emerton, L., Friess, D.A., Galvin, S., Hagenlocher, M., James, H., Laban, P., Lacambra, C., Lange, W., McAdoo, B.G., Moos, C., Mysiak, J., Narvaez, L., Nehren, U., Peduzzi, P., Renaud, F.G., Sandholz, S., Schreyers, L., Sebesvari, Z., Tom, T., Triyanti, A., van Eijk, P., van Staveren, M., Vicarelli, M., and Walz, Y.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social & Environmental Sustainability
• Journal Name: Nature Sustainability
• Publisher: Nature Research
• ISSN: 2398-9629
• ISSN (Online): 2398-9629
• Published Online: 28 June 2021
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Limited 2021
• First Published: First published in Nature Sustainability 4(9): 803-810
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy