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New book on Critical Disaster Studies reveals lessons to prepare for turbulent times

Thursday 25 August 2022

A new book looking at disaster experiences in 艑tautahi Christchurch in the decade since 2010 uses a Critical Disaster Studies (CDS) perspective to understand what people in and around the city have lived through in the face of disaster upon disaster.

Looking at disaster events such as large floods through a Critical Disaster Studies perspective can reveal some important lessons.

Last updated: Monday 12 September 2022

A Decade of Disaster Experiences in 艑tautahi Christchurch: Critical Disaster Studies Perspectives reveals important lessons from real-world experiences in living through earthquakes, floods, the COVID-19 pandemic, a terrorist attack, climate change impacts, and more.

The book is edited by Dr Shinya Uekusa from the University of Canterbury, Associate Professor Steve Matthewman from the University of Auckland, and Professor Bruce Glavovic from Massey鈥檚 School of People, Environment and Planning. It includes contributions by leading local and international researchers.

Professor Glavovic says a CDS perspective focuses on the underlying drivers and root causes of vulnerability and risk that predispose people to harm. 鈥淚t goes beyond the traditional focus on the physical peril and reliance on risk quantification and policy prescriptions. It uncovers the everyday reality of disasters for those most susceptible to harm. Such a perspective is imperative for research, policy, and operational practice.鈥

The book shares insights from M膩ori and migrant communities鈥 response and recovery efforts, and from individual, community, private sector, and government efforts. 鈥淭he book draws lessons for the future 鈥 for planning, governance, and democracy in the city and beyond,鈥 Professor Glavovic adds.

Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel says this is an incredibly significant book about 艑tautahi Christchurch鈥檚 disaster experience. 鈥淚t highlights the importance of understanding the lessons that are offered from things that went well and also things that didn鈥檛 go well. We look back not to blame, but to understand and to ensure the lessons are embedded into future practice so we don鈥檛 make the same mistakes again and again.鈥

A companion article on elaborates on some key insights from the book.

The book is available to purchase .

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