Citation
Wilson, H.C. (1999), "Editorial", Disaster Prevention and Management, Vol. 8 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/dpm.1999.07308baa.001
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 1999, MCB UP Limited
Editorial
As we head full speed into the next millennium it should be a time for reflection on what was achieved in this millennium. Trevor Kletz's letter to me highlights the fact that, in some areas at least, nothing has changed. We are still not looking forward, still not being proactive, still not engaging in co-operation and co-ordination on a scale that is truly meaningful. We still let issues such as politics and religious beliefs put people at risk, as recent events in Kosova clearly demonstrate. We still need that cultural sea change to make people realise that the next disaster could include them. Wealth, prosperity, religion, political belief etc. come to nothing in the face of extreme weather, earthquake, volcanic eruption, floods and other extreme natural events.
Governments make nice noises but are reluctant to back up their vocalisation with adequate finance. Senior management of airlines, railway companies, shipping lines and the like must face up to the reality that they have it in their power to alter the course of events. The slogan "People not Profits" is hackneyed and not relevant in today's economic environment. Shareholders and other stakeholders in companies want larger increases in return for their investments. Banks and stock market profiteers want large dividends and high stock prices. But at what price profitability? Cost cutting on safety issues? Minimalistic adherence to regulations?
There is little we can do in the short term to prevent natural disasters occurring, but there is much we can do within the field of mitigation of the effects of these events. There is even more that can be done in the prevention and mitigation of man-made disasters. What it will take is the will to make it happen. Not just the will of governments or religious leaders, not just the will of financiers and stakeholders, just not the will of the people of the under-developed nations, not just the will of the professionals in the field, but the will of all peoples to regard life as sacrosanct. Something that cannot be sacrificed on the altar of mammon.
We have all seen the video footage on the news, we have read the books and reports, some of us may even have the tee-shirt. Let us now begin the process of making the next millennium safe for our children.
H.C. Wilson