The year 2024 has been marked by several significant natural disasters. The wildfires in Greece, floods in Southeast Asia and Europe, violent storms in Western Europe, and tropical storms and cyclones in Mexico and Central America to name just a few all appear to have one thing in common – they resulted from the impact of climate change on the world’s weather. The immediate effects of the disasters have brought several challenges to the surface that are linked to the economic, social, and geographical vulnerabilities of marginalized groups. This highlights the importance of investing in resilient infrastructure, social protection, and equitable access to relief resources. We asked DevelopmentAid experts to reflect on how development policies and humanitarian aid could be better aligned with effective disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies.
Key Takeaways:
- The World Risk Index 2024 highlights that the Americas and Asian regions remain the major risk hotspots, with eight of the 10 countries with the highest risk scores being in these areas.
- Crises and risks are becoming more complex as extreme weather events, conflicts, and pandemics overlap and amplify each other.
- Rising global temperatures have made storms stronger, droughts longer, and heat waves more frequent.
- To prepare for future risks, countries must strengthen local infrastructure, educate communities on preparedness, and address the root causes of vulnerability, such as poverty and inequality.
- Ensuring that DRR strategies are inclusive and adequately protect marginalized populations such as women, children, and people with disabilities is paramount to achieve equitable resilience.
- Early warning systems help people to evacuate in time while drones and mapping tools can assist in rescue and recovery efforts, ultimately saving lives through technology.
DevelopmentAid: What are the primary causes of natural disasters in 2024?

“The primary causes of the natural disasters in 2024 remain deeply rooted in the escalating effects of climate change, marked by more frequent and intense extreme weather events. In Turkey, for instance, we have observed an alarming increase in flash floods, wildfires, and earthquakes. Climate-induced phenomena, such as prolonged droughts and sudden torrential rain, have disrupted traditional seasonal patterns, exacerbating the risk of disaster. In addition, rapid urbanization, deforestation, and inadequate infrastructure in certain regions have compounded vulnerabilities, particularly in rural and low-income areas. These disasters are not just natural occurrences but also highlight systemic weaknesses in risk management and environmental governance. Addressing these causes requires a dual approach: reducing greenhouse gas emissions globally and strengthening localized disaster resilience.”

“In 2024, climate change was the main driver of natural disasters. Rising global temperatures have made storms stronger, droughts longer, and heatwaves more frequent. This has also caused unpredictable rainfall, leading to floods in some areas and water shortages in others. Human activities, like deforestation and poor urban planning, have made many places even more vulnerable to these disasters.”
DevelopmentAid: How have recent natural disasters reshaped international development priorities in terms of disaster risk reduction?

“Recent natural disasters have significantly shifted international development priorities from reactive to proactive measures. In Turkey, where devastating earthquakes remain a constant threat, the focus has expanded from immediate relief to long-term resilience-building. Humanitarian responses now prioritize integrating DRR into broader development policies, with an emphasis on community-led planning and public awareness campaigns. Globally, donors and development agencies are aligning funding mechanisms with resilience-focused initiatives, such as climate-smart agriculture, adaptive urban planning, and comprehensive early warning systems. This shift is evident in Turkey’s updated disaster management frameworks, which incorporate DRR into educational programs, infrastructure projects, and cross-sectoral partnerships. Ultimately, this realignment underscores the critical need to prevent disasters rather than to simply respond to them.”

“Recent disasters have shown that quick fixes are not enough. There is now a bigger push to help communities to prepare for future risks. Instead of simply focusing on emergency aid, international efforts are shifting towards long-term solutions. These include strengthening local infrastructure, educating communities on preparedness, and working to address the root causes of vulnerability, like poverty and inequality.”
DevelopmentAid: What role has technology played in enhancing disaster preparedness and response, and how can it be further leveraged to improve early warning systems?

“Technology has revolutionized disaster preparedness and response through innovations such as real-time satellite monitoring, geospatial mapping, and AI-driven predictive analytics. In Turkey, the deployment of advanced seismic sensors and flood prediction models has strengthened early warning capabilities, allowing timely evacuations and resource allocation. Mobile apps and SMS alert systems have also enhanced public engagement, particularly in rural areas. However, there is room for improvement, especially in integrating local knowledge with technological solutions. For instance, community-based data collection can complement high-tech systems to create more precise risk assessments. Additionally, expanding internet connectivity and investing in user-friendly platforms can ensure wider access to these tools, empowering even the most marginalized populations to act swiftly in emergencies.”

“Technology has saved lives by providing prompter alerts and better data. Early warning systems, powered by satellites and mobile apps, help people to evacuate in time. Drones and mapping tools assist in rescue and recovery efforts. To do even more, these tools need to reach remote areas and be utilized alongside local knowledge for quicker, more effective responses.”
DevelopmentAid: How can disaster risk reduction strategies be more inclusive and ensure marginalized populations, such as women, children, and those with disabilities, are adequately protected?

“Ensuring that DRR strategies are inclusive and adequately protect marginalized populations such as women, children, and individuals with disabilities is paramount to achieve equitable resilience. Recent research underscores that these groups often face disproportionate impacts during disasters due to pre-existing social, economic, and political vulnerabilities. For instance, women may encounter barriers to accessing resources and decision-making processes, while children and individuals with disabilities might have specific needs that are overlooked in standard DRR plans. To address these disparities, it is essential to integrate the perspectives and needs of marginalized groups into all phases of disaster management. This involves participatory approaches that empower these communities to contribute to the development and implementation of DRR policies. For example, involving women in leadership roles within community-based disaster committees can enhance the relevance and effectiveness of preparedness measures. Similarly, designing evacuation plans and emergency shelters that are accessible to individuals with disabilities ensures that no one is left behind during crises. Moreover, education and training programs tailored to the unique needs of children can build their resilience and capacity to respond to disasters. Implementing inclusive early warning systems that disseminate information through multiple channels and formats can ensure that all community members receive timely alerts.
Policies must also address systemic inequalities by providing targeted support and resources to marginalized populations, thereby reducing their vulnerability to disasters. In Turkey, recent initiatives have highlighted the importance of integrating the voices of marginalized groups into disaster preparedness planning. Establishing safe spaces for women in emergency shelters, ensuring accessible evacuation routes for people with disabilities, and incorporating children’s needs into post-disaster education programs are vital steps. Training women as community leaders in disaster response has proven successful in amplifying local resilience. Globally, partnerships with organizations specializing in disability-inclusive DRR can guide the development of universal design principles for infrastructure and emergency protocols. Policies must also address socioeconomic disparities, providing financial and technical resources to marginalized communities, to ensure no one is left behind in disaster risk management. By adopting these inclusive strategies, DRR efforts can become more equitable and effective, fostering resilience across all segments of society.”

“Inclusion means listening to everyone’s needs. Women and children often face additional risks during disasters, and people with disabilities may struggle to access help. Solutions include making shelters accessible, tailoring warnings for all abilities, and involving marginalized groups in planning. When everyone is part of the conversation, safety improves for all.”
One of the main reasons for professionals to join the international development sector is the genuine desire to help those in need. That’s why the Disaster Reduction sector is one that attracts not only various talented candidates but also those driven by the wish to build a better world as a result of their work. The DevelopmentAid platform also contributes to that by offering plenty of information to help professionals to find their calling more easily. On the website’s job board, there are currently over 6,500 job openings in international development, including five in the Disaster Reduction sector. An alternative approach is to check for individual grants and tenders or contact the organizations directly. To save time and resources, an Individual Professional Membership offers access to all that and many more valuable tools described here.