Roles of Civil Engineers for Disaster Mitigation Under Changes of Natural and Social environments and Policies for the Creation of a Safe and Secure Society

Abstract

The earth has undergone the drastic environmental changes of global warming, heat island phenomenon in highly urbanized areas, deforestation and reduction in farmland, progressing desertification, and coastal and river erosion over the 20th century. These environmental changes are considered to be the major causes of large-scale typhoons, and hurricanes, drought and abnormally high temperature. Furthermore, our social environment is also changing and it is becoming fragile against natural disasters. This paper gives an overview of the recent natural disasters in the world and associated issues. The author descripes the basic concept of the policies for the natural disasters mitigation and the roles of civil engineers in changing natural environment.