An independent review of the United Kingdom’s humanitarian response system says the country must strengthen the way it responds to international emergencies if it is to cope with the anticipated rise in the number of disasters caused by earthquakes, floods and conflict. According to Lord Ashdown, who chaired the taskforce, “The people of the United Kingdom know why we respond, individually and as a society, to humanitarian emergencies around the world. What is crucial is that when we decide to act, we do so effectively. This review has revealed that we should be proud of how we, as a nation, respond. But being good is not going to be good enough if we are to meet the challenges ahead.” The review set out 40 key recommendations, some of which include: better anticipation of disasters; greater coordination of scientific research; measures to make high-risk countries more resilient to shocks; and UK programs that put more effective hazard reduction and contingency plans in place. The report, in its section on Innovation, mentions nanotechnology as an emerging science that has considerable potential for dealing with and preparing for humanitarian emergencies: “Foremost among these is nanotechnology, which is widely seen as having the potential to transform medicine, water safety, and foodstuffs with the next 5-10 years.” The article, and a link to the full report, can be viewed online at the link below.
http://www.dfid.gov.uk/Media-Room/Press-releases/2011/Ashdown-Review-UK-Government-must-be-prepared-for-increase-in-natural-disasters-and-emergencies/