Responding to the Challenges of Natural and Industrial Catastrophes

Abstract

There have been cases of environmental degradation, environmental pollution and many other environmental hazards that are either natural or man-made. Responding to the challenges of natural and industrial catastrophes which is the key focus of this paper is in accord with a world wide agenda being put in place to reduce the harmful effects of natural and natural disasters. The environment is the focal point in the drive for development in various international sectors and institutions, stressing that there would be a world no development without the environment. The protection of the environment is sequel to the awareness of man to control it. This paper not only traces the genesis of international concern for the environment from Stockholm to Rio de Janeiro Conference, but also highlights the various manifestations of natural and industrial disasters in industrialized and developing countries and concludes that international concern for the environment has been reactive rather than proactive. Accordingly, the paper recommends, inter alia, that an International Compensation Fund for Victims of Natural and Industrial Catastrophes (ICFVNIC) together with an International Disaster Prevention and Management Institute (IDPMI) be established with a view to providing rapid response to industrial and natural catastrophes.