The frequency and severity of disasters have increased over the last few years as a result of climate change.
Disasters are not natural, they only occur when people lack preparedness or the ability to cope with hazards: it is the combination of an exposed and ill-prepared population or community with a hazard event that results in a disaster.
Education therefore has a vital role to play in preparing communities and building disaster resilient societies and safe lives.
Answer the following questions:
- What do disasters create?
- Can you remember the name of the three natural hazards mentioned?
- How many people are affected by disasters every year?
- Why did some many people die in earthquakes between 2000 and 2010?
- What affected more than 1.6 bilion people?
- What turns a natural hazard into a disaster?
- What’s the role of schools? What can education systems do?
- What steps should be taken?
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With your partner, in turns, ask and answer:
- What’s the worst natural disaster in your opinion?
- Do you think natural disasters are happening more frequently in the world today?
- Have you ever prepared for a natural disaster?
- What are the most frequent natural disasters in your country?
- What’s worse, natural disasters or manmade disasters?
- Would you move if you lived in a country where natural disasters were common?
- If a natural disaster hit your town, what would you do?
- Why do you think natural disasters always seem to affect poor people most?
Source: ESL Discussions