ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the key concepts covered in the preceding chapters of this book. The book examines natural disaster preparedness and responses from a public health perspective. It shows how public health tools can be used to support preparedness and response. Better disaster preparedness and response might not only support community recovery but also contribute to the cost-effective use of resources, which, in turn, might advance the social and economic development of communities. Reviewing the deadliest disasters in recent decades would indicate humans are at least in part culpable for contributing to the risk factors, such as environmental degradation, global warming and urbanisation that can result in catastrophic events. Proactive engagement of disaster stakeholders in preparedness, emergency responses and recovery can save thousands of lives.
