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Disaster Risk Reduction: Assessing Risks and Enhancing Resilience
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:22:01
Abstract
Tackling disaster risks that arise from natural hazards is a pressing global challenge. Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is a systematic approach to identifying and assessing the hazards that trigger disasters, with the aim of reducing vulnerabilities. The course introduces the risk landscape countries face, presents concepts and instructive case studies, and uses CEDRIG as a tool for DRR.
Objective
Tackling disaster risks that arise from climate variability, climate change, environmental degradation and natural hazards is widely perceived as one of the greatest current global challenges. Developing countries are particularly vulnerable to disaster risks due to their high dependence on natural resources and their limited coping capacity. The numbers and severity of disasters are on the rise, posing an increasing challenge to sustainable development, and seriously undermining core development priorities such as poverty alleviation. Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is a systematic approach to identifying, assessing and reducing the impact natural disasters might have on projects, programs and strategies. It provides a framework to address the hazards that trigger disasters and aims to reduce socio-economic vulnerabilities. The course will introduce the risk landscape developing countries are facing, present background knowledge on DRR concepts and terminology, and use instructive case studies on integrated DRR projects. Participants will learn to systematically assess risks, vulnerabilities, and how to enhance resilience in communities by applying tools such as the Climate, Environment and Disaster Risk Reduction Integration Guidance (CEDRIG).
Content
Key Topics • Risks associated with natural hazards, environmental degradation, and climate change • Vulnerabilities facing societies as a result of disasters and climate change • Approaches used in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) • Incorporating resilience into development projects and programs • Practical examples of integrated approaches to DRR in development cooperation • Tools and methodologies to integrate DRR into projects or programs
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- WBZ , NDS
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- ungraded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Disaster Risk Reduction: Assessing Risks and Enhancing Resilience
Does not take place this semester.
Blockkurs
Ort: CLD A1
|
No time listed | 24 h semesterly |
Offered In
-
MAS in Development and Cooperation (The lectures and advanced training courses of NADEL are accessible only for students of the MAS in Development and Cooperation and for qualified employees with at least two years experience in development cooperation. ETH doctoral students working on topics related to poverty reduction in low- and middle income countries may also be admitted.)
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CAS in Development and Cooperation (Takes place each spring semester and every second autumn semester (odd years).)