Natural hazard event versus natural catastrophe

Natural hazard events are only classed as catastrophes when human beings or their property are affected. An earthquake in the Gobi Desert, or a gale in the Antarctic are not natural catastrophes if they do not have any impact on human life or property.

Conversely, a natural hazard event that is anything but extreme can quickly become a catastrophe in a region that is densely populated and poorly prepared.

Reasons for the increase in natural catastrophes and natural catastrophe losses:

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  Global population growth (exponential development); in 1800, for example, there were one billion people living on the earth, today there are more than 6.5 billion.
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  The rising standard of living in nearly all countries of the world produces growing accumulations of wealth which are hit in the event of a catastrophe.
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  Concentration of population and values in conurbations: the emergence of numerous megacities - even in exposed regions (e.g. Tokyo: over 35 million inhabitants)
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  Settlement and industrialisation of very exposed regions, especially coasts and river basins, tourism in danger zones, e.g. Florida
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  Vulnerability of modern societies and technologies, structural engineering, devices and equipment, networks; problems involving suppliers too
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  Increasing insurance penetration throughout the world, i.e. the proportion of insured goods is mounting globally. Consequently, insured losses are escalating even faster.
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  Global changes in environmental conditions, climate change, water scarcity, loss of biodiversity