Newsblog

In 2024, natural hazards caused damage of around US$ 320 billion worldwide, of which around US$ 140 billion was insured. Tropical cyclones were particularly costly events, with hurricanes Helene and Milton being the main causes of damage in the USA. In total, these storms led to losses of US$ 173 billion. Non-peak perils such as […]

On January 20, the Lunchtalk was held to mark the 20th anniversary of the 2004 tsunami. Dr. Alexander Rudloff shed light on the historical event and explained how tsunamis can occur. Particular attention was paid to the early warning systems – both then and now. In the discussion that followed, possible improvements to the early […]

In the run-up to the 2025 federal elections, the umbrella organisation of development and humanitarian non-governmental organisations in Germany (VENRO) has published its position paper ‘Taking responsibility for a fairer world’. In it, more than 140 non-governmental organisations formulate key demands for a fair and sustainable development policy and for the strengthening of humanitarian aid. […]

In an interview with Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. mult. Johann Georg Goldammer from the Global Fire Monitoring Center (GFMC), we talk about the causes and prevention of fires, particularly in California. Question: How did the fires in California happen, especially in January, when we normally think of wildfires in summer? Johann Georg Goldammer: The fires […]

On 30 January 2025 from 2 p.m., the Deichverband Bislich-Landesgrenze invites you to a ‘Theme Day against Flood Dementia’ at the Bürgerhaus Rees to draw attention to the dangers of flooding and heavy rainfall. 30 years after the last major flood on the Rhine in 1995, the need for education and personal precautions is emphasised, […]

On December 18, 2024, several young professionals (YPs) met at the DKKV office in Bonn for a serious games lab. In the workshop, the participants had the opportunity to try out various serious games on the topics of disaster prevention and risk communication in two rounds of games. The games were then discussed in depth […]

The devastating fires in Los Angeles have caused immense damage, but some buildings have survived the flames unscathed. In a recent article in Zeit Online, Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. mult. Goldhammer explains how special architecture and fire-resistant building materials can help to minimize the damage. You can find the video here. (Image source: Zeit Online)

The Center for Rural Development (SLE) at Humboldt University of Berlin is once again offering various training courses for experts and managers in international cooperation this year. Between March 17 and October 17, 7 different courses will be offered online and in person. A wide range of topics will be covered, from project management to […]

On 21 January, from 10:00 to 12:00 CET, a free webinar on the Integrated Wildfire Risk Management (IWRM) Strategy for Europe will take place. The webinar will provide an opportunity for feedback from FirEUrisk Observatory members and other interested stakeholders. The FirEUrisk project aims to develop a conceptual framework that integrates the assessment, reduction and […]