Disruptive and Conventional Technologies in Disaster and Climate Education: Perspectives from China

Risks and disasters alike from natural occurrences need decision-making processes that are well informed—coupled with a few other factors such as adoption of local knowledge and innovative approaches, as well as application. In China, local communities are seen to be instrumental in management of future and current disasters, as seen from their commitment to enhance and support technological developments and their accessibility through innovative techniques of preparedness, risk reduction, and resilience during recovery. Informed decision making and disaster risk management are processes that require research and development, technology adoption, application of new technologies, and promotion of approaches that are innovative and local knowledge to help in solving the arising complex issues posed by hazards. As such, there have been commitments to support and improve access to technologies and improve innovative approaches to reducing risk, preparedness, and resilient recovery within the local community. Risk reduction and preparedness in times of natural disasters therefore need to be supported with improved accessibility to technological developments since they are essential for disaster management and increasing resilience among communities in China. Dealing with disasters calls for a prompt and well-coordinated response that mitigates the adverse effects of catastrophes such as losses and injuries and lowers tension while offering a chance for faster recovery to normalcy after catastrophes. This chapter focuses on some of the key lessons and learning.