Communities affected by natural disasters are often stigmatized as being passive with regard to disaster prevention, mitigation and adaptation, waiting only for government assistance in the aftermath of such events. However, many innovative community initiatives have been developed to address natural disasters, which are often characterized as "local responses." While scrutinizing the potential strength and comparative advantage of community-based disaster response, this book analyzes and illustrates how individuals, families and social groups in rural and urban communities perceive natural...

Achieving global food security and providing universal access to water and energy without exceeding planetary boundaries and compromising ecosystem integrity is becoming ever more challenging. This book provides readers with a clear understanding of the trade-offs and conflicts emerging from the increasing interconnectedness of global and local food, water and energy supplies, and to introduce the major ethical debates surrounding the food, water and energy nexus. The book explores the various values and judgements that may inform societal choices and political decision-making with a view...