Editorial: Disasters

Abstract

Every day we are flooded with news on disasters spread all over the globe that fill us with uneasiness and uncertainties released by several means of communication, or by our own experience. The catastrophes are characteristic of the contemporary societies, and it seems that we are indeed living in a society at risk making us understand that we are producers of the alterations in the atmospheric and water systems, among others, that are the life supporters of our planet. We are witnessing environmental degradation, progressive exploration, escalating poverty and inequalities, and ascending climatic changes. This scenario is little by little giving rise to potential debates urging us to review old propositions on disasters, and to deepen our understanding of the myriad of involved dimensions. [...]