Natural Disaster Resilience in 2023 (SDG 11)

By Judah Jones

Across the United States, tornadoes are currently sweeping across large regions of the country and disrupting entire communities [1]. You’ve likely heard of this phenomenon, or possibly one of the many other disastrous events that have occurred this year across the globe, such as massive earthquakes in Türkiye and catastrophic flooding in Brazil [2].

While these events often leave behind instant images of loss and mourning, there are many effects which can be more long-lasting and are often overlooked. For instance, the World Bank reports that on top of costing $520 billion in losses every year, natural disasters force 26 million people into poverty each year [3]. In addition to the individual effects that natural disasters have on people, natural disasters damage key institutions that are important in communities such as schools, roads, factories, and housing [4]. With all of the effects that natural disasters can have on communities and individuals, it is easy to see why the UN has designated Sustainable Development Goal 11 to making communities resilient, safe, and sustainable.

So how are people across the world responding to natural disasters to help fulfill SDG 11 and help those in need? Taking important steps to be able to quickly respond is one way governments have responded, as it has already been reported that early warning of storms has saved lives from natural disasters such as tornadoes [1]. In Brazil, cities are being restructured around disaster-conscious infrastructure for vulnerable regions. The low-lying, flood-prone Tijuca area of Rio de Janeiro recently saw the construction of reservoirs and a diversion tunnel which has contributed to less frequent flooding, while creating positive social, economic, and health benefits [5]. While no project will ever completely prevent a natural disaster, people around the world are taking creative steps to protect their communities and lessen the effects of natural disasters, contributing to the development of resilient and sustainable communities.

MiniMUN has a full curriculum centered around SDG 11 and Natural Disaster Resilience. Request it here!

Sources:

[1] CNN

[2] Center for Disaster Philanthropy

[3] World Bank

[4] United Nations

[5] C40