Hazard and disaster management learning and failure in the London megacity.

Bibliography: p. 74-78

London was the first post-industrial 'one million' city. In history and experience London enjoys a potentially large comparative advantage amongst the world's megacities. Londoners have had centuries to learn about both the hazards of the environment of south-east England and those of megacity growth. This opportunity to learn response to hazards and disasters means that London should have adapted itself successfully to these problems. However, the record, which contains both hazard response successes and failures, suggests that London has not learned to adapt as much as might be expected. Failure to learn appears to be the single most important impediment to successful hazard and disaster management in London. This paper explores the wide range of hazards - natural, technological and social - which present risks in London. These hazards, and their evolution, are viewed within the context of the growth of London and contemporary urban issues affecting this megacity. London is developing in ways which is constantly modifying risk, exposure and vulnerability to hazards. The trends in hazards such as air pollution, flooding and terrorism are examined in some detail, as is response to them