UKRI GCRF Multi-Hazard Urban Disaster Risk Transitions Hub

Striving to reduce disaster risk for the poorest residents of tomorrow’s cities

Urban disasters are a critical problem. More than two billion people worldwide are exposed to floods, earthquakes, landslides, volcanos and cyclones, primarily in cities of low-to-middle income countries (LMICs). This figure is expected to double by 2050. Cities are home to 55% of the global population and account for 70% of global GDP. Many argue that the UN sustainable development goals will be won or lost there. Urban systems are expanding rapidly throughout the developing world, and globally 60% of the area expected to be urban by 2030 is yet to be built.

Mission

Rapid urbanisation, often considered only as a threat, also provides a time-limited opportunity to plan disaster risk out of tomorrow’s cities. The Multi-Hazard Urban Disaster Risk Transitions Hub will enhance sustainable urban development, catalysing a transition from crisis management to disaster risk-informed planning and decision-making in cities in developing countries. The Hub will be developed through partnerships in and between targeted cities, and globally through collaborating international governance organisations. The Hub will bring together leading researchers with inspiring community and government leaders and will work at an unprecedented high-resolution to influence planning and to deliver real impact through interdisciplinary research.