Factors affecting hazard risk

Question 1

State the factors affecting hazard risk

Answer 1

Urbanisation
Development
Land Use
Climate Change
Geographical location

Question 2

Explain how urbanisation can affect hazard risk

Answer 2

Urbanisation can affect hazard risk as densely populated areas are at greater risk of natural hazards;

Question 3

Explain how development can affect hazard risk

Answer 3

Development affects hazard risk as higher-income countries (HICs) are better equipped to cope with natural hazards than lower-income countries (LICs). This is because they have better infrastructure, emergency response and systems for monitoring and predicting natural hazards. They also have better health care systems and more money to protect people, e.g. earthquake-proof buildings.

Question 4

Explain how land use can affect hazard risk

Answer 4

Land use can affect hazard risk as changes in land use, e.g. deforestation and urbanisation, can increase hazard risk for climatic and geomorphological hazards.

Question 5

Explain how climate change can affect hazard risk

Answer 5

Climate change can affect hazard risk as the magnitude and frequency of some climatic hazards, including droughts and tropical storms, will be affected by climate change.

Question 6

Explain how climate change can affect Geographical location

Answer 6

Geographical location can affect hazard risk as some places are more at risk of natural hazards because of where they are. For example, countries around the Pacific Ring of Fire are more at risk of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes than those elsewhere. Additionally, as temperatures get warmer due to climate change, more tropical storms will affect countries in the tropics.