The year 2021 saw an unprecedented number of extreme weather situations and weather-related emergencies and disasters worldwide: Introduction to Disaster Risk and Resilience Essay, UC, Singapore

Question 1

The year 2021 saw an unprecedented number of extreme weather situations and weather-related emergencies and disasters worldwide, including in Asia. Particularly noteworthy was the increase of slow-onset climate change disaster risks.

(a) With reference to TWO (2) slow-onset disaster events that have occurred previously in Asia, appraise the key characteristics of this type of disaster risk. Assess why awareness of sudden-impact disasters is typically more than that of slow-onset disaster risks and how this may hinder a nation’s disaster preparedness approach.

(b) Analyse the Singapore authorities’ approach to planning for slow-onset climate changedisaster risk.

(c) The World Meteorological Organization (2021) recommends the development of integrated and proactive policies on slow-onset disaster risks. Appraise the potential impact of one such risk, that of rising sea levels, on Singapore. Examine how the nation could become less vulnerable to this disaster risk.