Committee on Disaster Research in the Social Sciences: Future Challenges and Opportunities & Division on Earth and Life Studies 
Facing Hazards and Disasters [PDF ebook] 
Understanding Human Dimensions

Social science research conducted since the late 1970’s has contributed greatly to society’s ability to mitigate and adapt to natural, technological, and willful disasters. However, as evidenced by Hurricane Katrina, the Indian Ocean tsunami, the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, and other recent events, hazards and disaster research and its application could be improved greatly. In particular, more studies should be pursued that compare how the characteristics of different types of eventsincluding predictability, forewarning, magnitude, and duration of impactaffect societal vulnerability and response. This book includes more than thirty recommendations for the hazards and disaster community.