Disaster Law

Within public international law there are no legally binding instruments dealing explicitly with the obligations of states in the aftermath of disasters. Rather, a variety of sources can be used as pieces of a puzzle determining to what extent states have an obligation to accept international humanitarian assistance.

Outlines the regulatory environment for disaster prevention and management in broad social, economic and political context.

"The number, intensity, and impact of diverse forms of 'natural' and 'human-made' disasters are increasing. In response, the international community has shifted its primary focus away from disaster response to prevention and improved preparedness."

Offers a unique approach to human and non-human climate justice and its application to all stages of a disaster: prevention; response, recovery and rebuilding; and compensation and risk transfer.

Considers whether international law is equipped to tackle the challenges posed by the dramatic increase in disasters. The author attempts to answer this crucial question through an analysis of the main legal issues involved, addressing both prevention and relief, with a special focus on major space applications such as remote sensing and telecommunications, and the attendant specific legal regimes.

Examines the interplay between law, governance and collaborative decision making with international, state, private sector and community actors in order to understand the dynamics of a global decentralized yet coordinated process of post-disaster humanitarian assistance.

Argues that without clear legal frameworks, aid may be stopped, delayed, or even hijacked - placing the intended recipients in critical condition.

Examines the response of the Japanese government to the 2011 Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant disaster, and its attempts to answer the legal questions posed by the combination of earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear meltdown.

Considers the unique challenges, barriers and opportunities that climate disasters pose for law and policy. Scientific and empirical evidence suggests that the laws addressing natural disasters cannot be adequately applied to disasters that are caused by climate change.

Examines a broad range of legal regimes directly and indirectly relevant to disaster prevention, mitigation and reconstruction across a spectrum of natural and manmade disasters, including armed conflict.

Primarily addresses the international law dimension of relevant topics, alongside important regional and national dimensions relevant for further development of legal and policy initiatives. Vol. One features a thematic section on the Draft Articles of the ILC on the "Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters" as well as a general selection of articles, and an international and regional review of International Disaster Law in Practice, plus book reviews and bibliography.