University of South Florida

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES AND VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT

In both the physical and social sciences, hazards research has come a long way. Our scientific endeavors have provided many answers, helping us recognize that issues of hazards cannot be solved solely through study of the physical mechanisms of the natural world nor indeed via simple technological assessments. It also has become patently clear that we cannot control every element of nature such that all risks are eliminated nor can we address all technological threats. Indeed, human factors are just as much a cause of hazards as are extreme geophysical processes. It is the recognition of human involvement that has enhanced hazards research and led many, including politicians, economists, and hazard managers, to advocate comprehensive development planning. Of course, there is still a long way to go, as evidenced by the tendency for societies to respond to disasters with aid that frequently serves to reinforce pre-disaster conditions, leading to a cycle of disaster-damage-repair-disaster. In many cases, little attention is paid to changing social conditions and the long-term needs of those affected by hazardous events. Thus, survivors remain vulnerable to the same events time after time because the root causes of disasters are not fully addressed.

Research into hazards in the Department of Geography at USF provides an integrated, multi-disciplinary approach that stresses the need for careful consideration of both the physical and social sciences. Faculty members often work closely with colleagues in anthropology, geology, public health, sociology, and social work, and encourage student interaction. Several research themes are highlighted within the department. For instance, vulnerability is now a key concept in hazard research that must be addressed in all its forms (political, economic, social, organizational and structural) together with marginalization and globalization forces. Environmental justice provides an important and useful framework for analyzing racial/ethnic and economic disparities in the distribution and impact of hazards and risks. Considerable attention is also given to the role of technology, especially computers and spatial information technologies. Geographical information systems (GIS), for example, have facilitated our understanding of spatial patterns of risk, identification of vulnerable populations and structures, and our abilities to evaluate the appropriateness and impacts of mitigation strategies.

Within our department, environmental hazards research covers a wide range of topical and regional interests. Current research by faculty members addresses an array of hazard issues including chronic disasters related to ongoing events, community resilience and social networks, environmental justice analysis, health-related risks and outcomes, socio-economic vulnerabilities, evacuation modeling, and hazard mitigation management policies. The research focuses on both geo-physical events, such as floods and droughts, volcanoes, tropical storms and hurricanes, and technologically induced events, including hazardous chemical accidents, air pollution, toxic waste sites, and critical facilities. These studies are being undertaken around the world in India, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, South Africa, Sierra Leone, and The Bahamas, as well as in locations throughout the USA and also right here in Tampa Bay.