Lessons from history: coastal cities and natural disaster

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to connect the history of San Francisco's urban development, particularly the use of artificial fill along the coast, with the city's seismic history in order to explore whether San Franciscans have learned from recurrent natural disasters.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses historical analysis of primary sources, particularly scientific reports related to the 1906 and 1989 earthquakes. The theoretical approach draws on environmental history and natural disaster studies.FindingsSan Franciscans failed to learn lessons from earthquakes in 1868 and 1906. After the 1989 earthquake, experts reported that much of the damage had been predictable. Both policymakers and laypeople were surprised to discover the extent of scientific knowledge, given the poor preparation and outcomes.Research limitations/implicationsThe brief treatment by no means represents a thorough review of the literature; the paper is intended to be provocative rather than comprehensive.Practical implicationsThe paper suggests that coastal residents need to develop a new paradigm for viewing environmental change, including natural disasters, as an inherent element of dynamic coastal ecosystems. This mindset would help cities to better prepare for both future disasters and more gradual change to coastal landscapes, such as that likely to occur as a result of global climate change.Originality/valueThe study connects insights from the discipline of history to those of the earthquake sciences. It seeks to disseminate concepts from environmental history, such as the unnaturalness of natural disasters and the relationship of cities to nature, to an audience of policymakers and scientists.