Environmental Hazards

Definition

Environmental hazards are natural or human-made events that pose a risk to the health and safety of individuals and communities, often leading to damage or destruction of property and livelihoods. These hazards can arise from various sources such as pollution, climate change, natural disasters, or industrial accidents. In informal settlements, where infrastructure may be lacking and resources are limited, the impact of environmental hazards can be particularly devastating, exacerbating vulnerabilities and increasing the risks faced by residents.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Informal settlements often lack basic services such as clean water, sanitation, and proper housing, making residents more susceptible to environmental hazards.
2. Flooding is a common environmental hazard in informal settlements due to poor drainage systems and inadequate urban planning.
3. Residents in informal settlements may rely on makeshift structures that are not built to withstand extreme weather events, increasing their risk during disasters.
4. Climate change is exacerbating environmental hazards such as rising sea levels and extreme weather conditions, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities in informal settlements.
5. Government response to environmental hazards in informal settlements can be limited by bureaucracy and lack of resources, leaving residents to cope with the aftermath largely on their own.

Review Questions

• How do environmental hazards specifically impact residents living in informal settlements?
  • Residents of informal settlements are particularly vulnerable to environmental hazards due to inadequate infrastructure and limited access to basic services. The lack of proper housing can lead to severe consequences during natural disasters like floods or earthquakes. Furthermore, the absence of reliable sanitation and clean water can exacerbate health risks during environmental events, making recovery much harder for these communities.
• Discuss the relationship between urbanization and the emergence of environmental hazards in informal settlements.
  • Urbanization often leads to rapid population growth in cities, resulting in the expansion of informal settlements. As cities grow without proper planning or infrastructure development, these areas become prone to environmental hazards such as flooding, landslides, and pollution. The increased density of population in poorly constructed housing further compounds the risks associated with these hazards.
• Evaluate the role of resilience in mitigating the effects of environmental hazards within informal settlements.
  • Resilience plays a crucial role in how informal settlement residents cope with environmental hazards. Communities that develop strong social networks, local knowledge, and adaptive strategies are better equipped to prepare for and respond to hazards. Initiatives that enhance resilience—such as community training programs on disaster preparedness or improvements in local infrastructure—can significantly reduce vulnerability and improve recovery outcomes after an environmental event.

Related terms

Urbanization: The process by which rural areas transform into urban areas, often leading to increased population density and the development of informal settlements.

Vulnerability: The susceptibility of individuals or communities to environmental hazards, influenced by factors such as socio-economic status, location, and access to resources.

Resilience: The capacity of individuals and communities to anticipate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from environmental hazards and their impacts.