CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Aylsworth, J.M.
Date : 2007.
Title : Reducing risk of natural hazards through public outreach and education.
Publication : Yellowknife 2007. Annual Conference of the Geological Association of Canada - Mineralogical Association of Canada. May 23-25, 2007. Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada.
Issue :
Page(s) :
Abstract
Education is the first step in the successful mitigation of Natural Hazards. An informed population is more aware of the potential hazards that may occur in their area; better able to recognise early warning signs of potential events; and more likely to respond appropriately with evasive or mitigative actions before or during the event. An informed population is also more likely to accept the necessity of mitigative actions – whether restrictive zoning, property expropriation, or expensive engineered works – undertaken by various authorities to reduce risk. The outreach and education activities of two projects within the Reducing Risk of Natural Hazards Program of Natural Resources Canada are intended to raise awareness within the general public of our vulnerabilities to natural hazards. At the national level, the Geohazard Awareness Project will result in authoritative information on natural hazards being readily accessible to Canadians in general and educators in particular. This involves a significant updating and enhancement of the Atlas of Canada website, a source widely used by students and teachers. Some webpages have been updated; the rest will follow in year 2 of the project. As an aide to educators who must prepare lessons on geohazards, the website will also incorporate lesson and activity plans for a range of geohazards (landslides, floods, earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanoes). These lesson plans will be designed to meet specific provincial curriculum goals at several grade levels across Canada. Where possible, a variety of datasets and examples will be available, so that teachers can choose to highlight local events to engage student interest. At a community level, the Geological Survey of Canada is collaborating with the District of North Vancouver to promote awareness and understanding of local landslide hazard. This community experienced a devastating landslide in January 2005, one of many on their steep slopes. The District has initiated measures to assess the hazard and reduce risk to its population and infrastructure and has openly released all information on their website. The GSC has promoted this work as an example of good practice in landslide threat reduction. To help deliver the message to the general public, the GSC is developing, in collaboration with North Vancouver, some user-friendly educational products that highlight the hazard and the District's efforts, successes and lessons-learned. Although intended for the constituents of North Vancouver, these products also present a valuable case study for other municipalities in Canada
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology