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Natech Disasters
/ˈneɪtɛk dɪˈzɑːstəz/
Key Insights
- The "Double Disaster": Natech stands for Natural-Hazard-Induced Technological accidents. It describes a scenario where a natural event (e.g., an earthquake) triggers a technological failure (e.g., a chemical leak or nuclear meltdown).
- Complexity of Response: They are harder to manage because emergency services must deal with the natural catastrophe and a hazardous material release simultaneously, often with damaged infrastructure.
- Increasing Risk: Due to climate change and growing industrialization in hazard-prone areas, the frequency of Natech events is rising globally.
Cite this brief
Groenheijde, S. (2023). Natech Disasters. EPIS Insight · Climate Policy & Environment.
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