Natural risk assessment and managment

"Natural risk assessment and managment" is a chapter of the "Handbook on Urban Sustainability", edited by Nolberto Munier. A book which addresses the sustainable development of a city. In particular Michela Tiboni deals with a subject rarely seen in the technical literature: Risk management. It refers to risks related with land uses, and as the author rightly states its aim is to reduce danger for human beings and the environment. Some projects are built on terrains that have characteristics that make then unsuitable for that kind of project. Others alter the natural flow of water during storms, paving the way to floods, and cave ins. Both can generate action-reaction response. This Chapter presents the necessary guidelines to evaluate a risk involved in the construction of a project. This is something that has to be carefully considered to avoid future consequences, which can turn to be catastrophic. Remember, most human activities modify the environment, and it is then necessary to evaluate the consequences of such actions.