A Decade of Disaster Experiences in Otautahi Christchurch: Critical Disaster Studies Perspectives

This book critically surveys a decade of disasters in Ōtautahi Christchurch, bringing together a diverse range of authors, disciplinary approaches, and topics to reckon with the 2010-2011 Canterbury earthquake sequence. It focuses on the production of vulnerability, the human dimensions of disaster, the Indigenous response to disasters, and the practical lessons that can be drawn from them.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 405 pages
Publication date: 16 February 2023
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This book critically examines a decade of disasters in Ōtautahi Christchurch, bringing together a diverse range of authors, disciplinary approaches, and topics to reckon with the events that commenced with the 2010-2011 Canterbury earthquake sequence. Each contribution tackles its subject matter through the frame of Critical Disaster Studies (CDS). The events and the subsequent recovery provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from a series of concatenating urban disasters in order to prepare us for our future on an urban planet facing unprecedented environmental pressures. The book focuses on the production of vulnerability, the human dimensions of disaster, the Indigenous response to disasters, and the practical lessons that can be drawn from them.

Introduction:
The 2010-2011 Canterbury earthquake sequence was a series of catastrophic events that struck Ōtautahi Christchurch, New Zealand, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. This book aims to critically survey a decade of disasters in the city, bringing together a diverse range of authors, disciplinary approaches, and topics to reckon with the events that commenced with the earthquake sequence.

Critical Disaster Studies (CDS):
Critical Disaster Studies (CDS) is a multidisciplinary field that examines the social, cultural, and political dimensions of disasters. It seeks to understand the factors that contribute to vulnerability, the human dimensions of disaster, and the practical lessons that can be drawn from them. The book employs CDS to analyze the events and the subsequent recovery in Ōtautahi Christchurch, providing a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities that arise in the aftermath of disasters.

Vulnerability and Human Dimensions of Disaster:
The book explores the production of vulnerability in Ōtautahi Christchurch, examining the social, economic, and environmental factors that contribute to the city's susceptibility to disasters. It also examines the human dimensions of disaster, including the psychological and emotional impact on individuals and communities. The Indigenous response to disasters is also explored, highlighting the unique challenges and strengths that Indigenous communities face in the aftermath of disasters.

Indigenous Response to Disasters:
The Indigenous response to disasters is a critical aspect of the book, as Indigenous communities have a rich history of resilience and adaptation in the face of adversity. The book highlights the practical lessons that can be drawn from the Indigenous response to disasters, including the importance of community-based approaches, the significance of traditional knowledge, and the need for cultural sensitivity in disaster response.

Practical Lessons:
The book provides practical lessons that can be drawn from the events and the subsequent recovery in Ōtautahi Christchurch. It emphasizes the importance of preparedness, resilience, and community engagement in disaster response. It also highlights the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and the importance of learning from past disasters to inform future planning and response.

Conclusion:
The 2010-2011 Canterbury earthquake sequence was a devastating event that had a profound impact on Ōtautahi Christchurch and New Zealand as a whole. This book provides a critical examination of a decade of disasters in the city, bringing together a diverse range of perspectives and disciplines to understand the challenges and opportunities that arise in the aftermath of disasters. By employing Critical Disaster Studies, the book offers valuable insights into the production of vulnerability, the human dimensions of disaster, the Indigenous response to disasters, and the practical lessons that can be drawn from them. The events and the subsequent recovery in Ōtautahi Christchurch provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from a series of concatenating urban disasters and prepare us for our future on an urban planet facing unprecedented environmental pressures.

Weight: 562g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811668654
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022