Catastrophe in the making: the engineering of Katrina and the disasters of tomorrow, by William R. Freudenburg et al.  Island Press, 2009.  209p bibl index afp ISBN 1-59726-682-5, $26.95; ISBN 9781597266826, $26.95. Reviewed in 2010jul CHOICE.
47-6324  HV636  2009-21516 CIP
 
This masterpiece of scholarship breaks through a clutter of explanations of Hurricane Katrina, which thus far have presented it as a “fury of nature.” The work under review explains Katrina as a calamity caused by humans that was long in the making. Freudenburg (environmental studies, Univ. of California, Santa Barbara) and his colleagues ground their analysis in an enduring sociological concept of the “growth machine,” of which Harvey Molotch is a key proponent, to advance their argument of humans’ biting nature. They argue that the growth machine and its agents–engineers, developers, speculators, and politicians–transformed the landscape of New Orleans with levees, canals, floodwalls, and development in swamps, leaving it utterly and predictably vulnerable to the disaster. The supposed economic benefits of these transformative interventions did not materialize either. To make matters worse, they sentenced New Orleans and its residents to a disaster conveniently blamed on nature. The authors conclude that the Katrina calamity was the handiwork of the growth machine, which tends to site development projects in floodplains, builds cities on geological fault lines, and blames nature for the resultant disasters. Summing Up: Essential. Undergraduate/graduate collections in disaster management and risk assessment studies. Highly recommended. Environmental studies and environmental sociology. — T. Niazi, University of Wisconsin 
 
Chester, Roy.  Furnace of creation, cradle of destruction: a journey to the birthplace of earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis.  AMACOM, 2008.  242p index ISBN 0-8144-0920-2, $24.95; ISBN 9780814409206, $24.95.  Outstanding Title! Reviewed in 2009jan CHOICE.
46-2673  QE511  2008-12702 CIP
 
Eminently readable! This outstanding book by outstanding scientist and writer Chester (ret., oceanography, Univ. of Liverpool, UK) treats the human and scientific evolution of ideas and understanding of volcanoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis in remarkably simple, concise language. The story evolves historically, covering major topics beginning with myths/legends, the age of the Earth and changes occurring on Earth, the battles between religion and science, and evolving geological discoveries on land and sea. The book discusses continental drift, plate tectonics, interrelations between and making sense of volcanoes and earthquakes, seafloor spreading and deep oceans, astonishing biological discoveries in the ocean, mutual relations and dependencies of “everything,” a trinity of disasters (volcanoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis), and predicting and mitigating these disasters. This book provides a clear explanation of the origins and workings of the “disaster trinities” and their influences on human lives–a rare and refreshing read! Summing Up: Highly recommended. All collections. — T. L. T. Grose, emeritus, Colorado School of Mines 
 
Colten, Craig E.  Perilous place, powerful storms: hurricane protection in coastal Louisiana.  University Press of Mississippi, 2009.  195p bibl index afp; ISBN 9781604732382, $40.00. Reviewed in 2010jan CHOICE.
47-2586  TC425  2008-47085 CIP
 
This book tracks flood control efforts in the New Orleans area from the 1800s to the present. Detailed are the interactions and, at times, tensions between the parish, state, and federal governments and agencies that shape the hurricane defense system in New Orleans. The book also touches on topics including engineering projects, funding, wetlands loss, and urban sprawl. Colton (geography, Louisiana State) deliberately does not attempt to evaluate the US Army Corps of Engineers’ levees or other engineering systems, nor does he discuss the human toll of Hurricane Katrina and previous storms. The book is well researched and provides detailed notes and a lengthy bibliography. Of note is the historical view of the corps’ 60 years of work in the city. This book is a must for anyone trying to understand why New Orleans flooded following Katrina. It is also a useful reference and supplement to other Katrina books by I. van Heerden and M. Bryan (The Storm, 2006), D. Brinkley (The Great Deluge, 2006, and J. Horne (Breach of Faith, CH, Mar’07, 44-3882). Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through researchers/faculty. — D. M. Braquet, University of Tennessee, Knoxville 
 
Diacu, Florin.  Megadisasters: the science of predicting the next catastrophe.  Princeton, 2010.  195p bibl index afp; ISBN 9780691133508, $24.95.  Outstanding Title! Reviewed in 2010may CHOICE.
47-4974  GB5014  2009-29193 CIP
 
Diacu (Univ. of Victoria, Canada) is a mathematician who uses his professional and outstanding literary skills to provide a remarkable analysis of the “science” of prediction. His chapter topics range from tsunamis, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and cosmic impacts to financial crashes and pandemics. Perhaps the most remarkable chapter deals with climate change. All these subjects are highly germane to the present world society awash with levels of communication hardly envisaged 10 or 20 years ago. Diacu’s great depth of historical knowledge, penetrating insights, and familiarity with the associated literature has led to an erudite yet easily readable approach that retains critical scientific impact. In an age where the news media and large sections of society seem to feast on dire predictions and the threat of many “imminent” disasters, Megadisasters should be required reading for all intelligent human beings. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels/libraries. — J. D. Ives, emeritus, Carleton University 

The Economics of natural and unnatural disasters, ed. by William Kern.  W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, 2010.  143p bibl index afp ISBN 0-88099-363-4, $40.00; ISBN 0880993626 pbk, $15.00; ISBN 9780880993630, $40.00; ISBN 9780880993623  pbk, $15.00. Reviewed in 2010nov CHOICE.
48-1585  HC79  2010-10590 CIP 
 
This short volume–a brief introduction (really an overview) plus five stand-alone chapters on various aspects of the economics of disasters–supports the adage that good things can come in small packages. And with the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami still fresh in people’s minds, along with the recent earthquake in Haiti and two shocks to the Gulf Coast, Hurricane Katrina and the 2010 oil spill, the treatment is certainly timely as well. Edited by Kern (economics, Western Michigan Univ.), individual selections address how to prepare for and better protect against the costs of disasters, including better insurance arrangements; how to think about expectations and anticipation of disasters; the evolution and development of the field of studying the economic impact of such tragedies; the nature of disasters and alternative modeling tools; market and private responses versus governmental or public-sector involvement in responding. Finally, a chapter is specifically devoted to tornadoes, including losses due to them, mitigation strategies, and what is and is not cost-effective in terms of actions. Each chapter contains excellent notes and references. Readership spans the spectrum from intelligent laypersons to students at various levels, researchers, and certainly public policy officials. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All libraries. — A. R. Sanderson, University of Chicago 

Flood hazards and health: responding to present and future risks, ed. by Roger Few and Franziska Matthies.  Earthscan Publications Ltd., 2006.  219p bibl index afp ISBN 1-84407-215-0, $99.95; ISBN 9781844072156, $99.95.  Outstanding Title! Reviewed in 2006nov CHOICE.
44-1555  RA645  2005-27705 CIP 
 
Floods are one of the most common causes of natural disasters worldwide. They can pose a wide range of health hazards, including drowning, injury, mental health disorders, various communicable diseases, and the destruction of medical and public health infrastructures such as water and sanitation facilities. This book discusses how floods affect health, and the medical and public health systems that people rely on. It broadly defines health not merely as a medical or technical matter, but as a cultural, economic, political, and social issue. Specifically, the book consists of a brief introduction and eight short chapters. The first three chapters introduce key concepts, such as the disaster management cycle, and provide global overviews of flood hazards, health impacts, and responses to health risks. The next four chapters describe the health aspects of floods in various countries, including the UK, Mozambique, Vietnam, and the US. The final chapter synthesizes insights from the previous chapters and discusses priorities for future policy, practice, and research. The book is thoroughly researched, highly informative, well written, and at the same time concise and easy to read. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-level undergraduates and above; general readers. — R. M. Mullner, University of Illinois at Chicago 

Floodplain management: a new approach for a new era, by Bob Freitag et al.  Island Press, 2009.  242p bibl index afp; ISBN 9781597266345, $55.00; ISBN 9781597266352  pbk, $27.00. Reviewed in 2010apr CHOICE.
47-4443  TC423  2009-9800 CIP 
 
“Floods are not the problem.” That is how this short, well-documented book on a new approach for floodplain management begins. People are the problem, as they insist on living near a stream or river and on being protected and compensated when the stream or river does what it naturally does, flood. Freitag (Univ. of Washington) and colleagues present a better solution than the current structural approaches typically carried out by the US Army Corps of Engineers. They suggest that people “retreat from the floodplain,” “accommodate the effects of the floodwaters,” and “protect assets with nonstructural measures.” The authors describe their approach by answering six common questions for each short case study in the book’s ten chapters. These questions relate to the risks, benefits, and costs of the strategies and the value of the assets. Most of the case studies are from the Midwest or the Pacific Northwest. This book was created for a graduate-level floodplain management course, but it is written in a manner accessible to all readers. People must change their approach to dealing with rivers, particularly in this era of global climate change when longtime weather patterns are changing. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels/libraries. — E. Gomezdelcampo, Bowling Green State University 

Global catastrophic risks, ed. by Nick Bostrom and Milan M. Cirkovi^D’?.  Oxford, 2008.  554p bibl index afp; ISBN 9780198570509, $50.00.  Outstanding Title! Reviewed in 2009jul CHOICE.
46-6152  GB5014   MARC 
 
This tour de force is a collection of articles analyzing just about every aspect of global catastrophic risk imaginable. After a section providing background information, the book separates risks into two sections: “Risks from Nature” and “Risks from Unintended Consequences.” The likelihood and consequences of each risk are thoroughly examined, along with possible ways of preparing for, ameliorating, and/or preventing the hazard. The individual chapters contributed by specialists in each field are uniformly well written and authoritative. A book with this scope is particularly valuable for putting various risks in perspective. As such, it provides a much-needed antidote to the public predilection (often fueled by the media and, in turn, driving action groups and politicians) to focus on the current “hazard du jour” while ignoring other risks that pose greater dangers or might be easier (and more economically feasible) to address. All readers could learn something from this work, although some chapters will be more accessible to upper-division undergraduates and above. Readers seeking information on any of the hazards covered could start with the pertinent chapters, and then would probably be drawn into more and more of the book. The volume should be required reading for politicians and policy makers (or at least their advisers). Summing Up: Highly recommended. All collections. — R. R. Erickson, Lycoming College 

Gunn, Angus M.  Encyclopedia of disasters: environmental catastrophes and human tragedies.  Greenwood, 2008.  2v bibl index afp; ISBN 9780313340024, $175.00. Reviewed in 2008jul CHOICE.
45-5934  GB5014  2007-31001 CIP 
 
Once again Gunn (emer., Univ. of British Columbia) has written a quintessential tome. This encyclopedia equals his prolific earlier works: Patterns in World Geography (1968), Habitat: Human Settlements in an Urban Age (1978), and Impact of Geology on the United States (CH, Apr’02, 39-4319). The Encyclopedia of Disasters presents a descriptive, illustrated account of disasters, both natural and human-induced, that have occurred throughout the world over the last 2,000 years. However, unlike other works that recant the facts and obvious destruction, Gunn identifies three characteristics germane to many disasters and then further advances the belief that understanding, preservation, and minimizing the level of destruction are an integral part of and vital to the preservation of the global environment. This encyclopedia covers more than 180 of the most important and devastating disasters in history. The chronologically arranged entries each include a list of readings for additional research. Readers will find the information presented fascinating, informative, and useful. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels. — W. Jakub, Franciscan University of Steubenville 

Hough, Susan.  Predicting the unpredictable: the tumultuous science of earthquake prediction.  Princeton, 2010.  260p indexes afp; ISBN 9780691138169, $24.95. Reviewed in 2010jul CHOICE.
47-6265  QE538  2009-8380 CIP 
 
Earthquake prediction is on everybody’s mind when reports of the horrific event make headlines. Why the failure to predict it, especially in this age of scientific and technological achievements? Hough (seismologist, Southern California Earthquake Center) tells readers why in this deeply interesting, enlightening, and entertaining book. The dogged perseverance of seismologists in their search for reliable evidence for earthquake prediction, when the odds seem nearly impossible to overcome, is a scientific adventure beautifully revealed. The author clearly explains essential seismic science, focusing on California, Japan, China, and other places where quakes have made history. Events that seemed promising–the Palmdale bulge, animal behavior, water well rise, foreshocks–and predictions of questionable characters that generated sensational media coverage comprise the history of the quest for prediction. The human reactions to seismic events are described with skill and insight by the author who has “been there,” who personally knows the major players, and who has dealt with the uncertainties, frustrations, and pleasant and not-so-pleasant surprises that are endemic in the search for the key to prediction. The book skillfully weaves the influence of politics, economics, and psychology into this authentic, delightfully perceptive account of earthquake prediction science. Includes numerous references and selected illustrations. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels/libraries. — T. L. T. Grose, emeritus, Colorado School of Mines 

Keim, Barry D.  Hurricanes of the Gulf of Mexico, by Barry D. Keim and Robert A. Muller.  Louisiana State, 2009.  216p bibl index afp; ISBN 9780807134924, $29.95. Reviewed in 2010feb CHOICE.
47-3174  QC945  2009-8298 CIP 
 
This work is a comprehensive study of hurricanes affecting the Gulf of Mexico over the past 100-150 years. Current and former Louisiana state climatologists, respectively, Keim (Louisiana State) and Muller (emer., Louisiana State) cover the years from 1901 to the present for most areas except New Orleans, where better documentation enabled them to extend coverage back to 1851. They begin by devoting a chapter each to two major hurricanes: the Galveston Hurricane of 1900 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Subsequent chapters describe their methodology for counting tropical storms and hurricanes; provide the basics of hurricane formation and forecasting; discuss individual gulf hurricanes throughout the time period covered; and relate the histories of hurricane strikes at ten cities around the gulf. They also examine the environmental and socioeconomic impacts of the hurricanes, and look at projections of future hurricane activity in the region. Keim and Muller have produced a thorough, readable guide to hurricanes affecting the Gulf of Mexico and the communities surrounding this area; the book will be useful for students of history and sociology as well as meteorology. Includes many charts, maps, and black-and-white photographs. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels/libraries. — A. C. Prendergast, University of South Alabama 

Lockwood, John P. Volcanoes: global perspectives, by John P. Lockwood and Richard W. Hazlett.  Wiley-Blackwell, 2010.  536p bibl index; ISBN 9781405162500  pbk, $84.95; ISBN 9781405162494, $159.95.  Outstanding Title! Reviewed in 2010nov CHOICE.
48-1487  QE522  2009-38742 CIP 
 
Volcanoes by Lockwood (Geohazards Consultants International; formerly, USGS) and Hazlett (Pomona College) is the latest comprehensive book related to the field of volcanology to appear during the last 40 years. Indeed, it ranks at the top for its balanced worldwide subject coverage, beautiful formatting, numerous well-captioned photos and instructive interpretive artwork, and extensive references (more than 800). The book is divided into five parts. The first part introduces the field and includes historical information and a discussion of volcanology vocabulary. Part 2 covers plate tectonics and magmatism, magma, and the causes of eruptions. A description of eruption types, flows and explosive products, and large-scale explosive eruptions follows in the next section. Part 4 explores volcanic landforms, both constructional and negative, and processes and products. The final section, “Humanistic Volcanology,” covers climate-related topics; the risks and hazards of volcanoes; and economics, which includes discussions of energy and ores. Each chapter contains a general, concise bibliography and excellent study and discussion questions, an outstanding feature for academic coursework. An appendix with a list of major volcanoes worldwide and accompanying maps is a valuable addition. This attractive work should be on the shelves of all geologists, geographers, and environmentalists. Summing Up: Essential. Upper-division undergraduates through professionals; general readers. — T. L. T. Grose, emeritus, Colorado School of Mines

Natural hazards, unnatural disasters: the economics of effective prevention, by the United Nations and the World Bank.  World Bank/United Nations, 2010.  254p bibl index; ISBN 9780821380505 pbk, $39.95; ISBN 9780821381410 e-book. Reviewed in 2011jun CHOICE.
48-5805  HC79  2010-31475 CIP 
 
While nothing can be done to prevent natural disasters, concludes this report by a team of World Bank economists, plenty can be done to reduce the harm they cause. The fundamental premise of this meticulously researched study is that much of the death and destruction that occurs is the result of inadequate prevention, itself a consequence of policies and institutions that misprice risk, subsidize exposure, and promote risky behavior. Rent control and insecure land holdings, for example, erode incentives to invest in protecting property, while the absence of a multiparty political system and social fragmentation reduce public investment in critical infrastructure. Noting that people make better prevention decisions when markets are allowed to function and when prices accurately reflect hazard risks, the authors offer practical suggestions for reducing disaster damage. The analysis is objective and balanced; the literature reviewed is comprehensive. Case studies help illustrate key points. Notably absent is any reference to resilience, a theme increasingly popular in discussions of this type. Sadly, given the systemic nature of the problems contributing to inadequate prevention, many of the proposed solutions are unlikely to be successfully implemented. See related, The Economics of Natural and Unnatural Disasters, ed. by William Kern (CH, Nov’10, 48-1585). Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through professionals. — J. H. Turek, Lynchburg College 

Pyne, Stephen J.  America’s fires: a historical context for policy and practice.  Rev. ed.  Forest History Society, 2010.  93p bibl afp; ISBN 9780890300732 pbk, $9.95. Reviewed in 2010nov CHOICE.
48-1432  SD421   MARC 
 
Wildland fire is an elemental aspect of human existence. After almost a century of controlling fires by suppressing them, the US experienced two decades of fire seasons in which fire sizes and costs escalated beyond the imaginable. In this useful resource, a revised edition of America’s Fires: Management on Wildlands and Forests (1997), noted fire historian Pyne (Arizona State) balances history, ecology, and policy. He begins by presenting indigenous humans’ uses of fire in North America, important for understanding natural fire. Next, the author describes efforts to replicate the agricultural conditions of Europe where farmers used fire as a tool but then shows how this practice upset the balance of fire-dependent ecosystems. The book moves on to address relationships among industry, fire, and institutions. It explains how forest management policies created conditions for large wildfires and discusses the organization and institutionalization of firefighting. Pyne presents changes in fire management culture and explains how public expectations evolved in the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s. The final chapter articulates present and future problems for public policy, concepts relevant to evolving land uses, and practices enabling people to coexist with wildland fire. An excellent complement to courses in natural and social sciences and public policy. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All libraries. — E. J. Delaney, National Park Service 

Smil, Vaclav.  Global catastrophes and trends: the next 50 years.  MIT, 2008.  307p bibl indexes afp; ISBN 9780262195867, $29.95.  Outstanding Title! Reviewed in 2008dec CHOICE.
46-2039  GB5014  2007-46675 CIP 
 
Smil (Univ. of Manitoba) has produced an inspiring, daunting analysis of a range of probable global catastrophes that require critical assessment and considered, worldwide response. This is a probability account of “fatal discontinuities” and trends to 2050. Catastrophes reviewed include collision with extraterrestrial objects, volcanic mega eruptions and collapses, influenza pandemics, and violent conflicts and terrorist attacks. Equally challenging trends include energy transitions and environmental change. These are discussed in the context of a new world order: decline of major economies (Japan, Europe, Russia, US), evolution of the Muslim world, and the rise of China and India. A final chapter deals with risk and “uncertainty”–quantifying the odds and rational attitudes. Smil deplores grand forecasts and deliberate support for euphoric or catastrophic views of the future. Instead, he presents eclectic inquiries and long-term historic perspectives, emphasizing our limited understanding and inherent uncertainties. The text is presented in brilliantly clear English and draws on the author’s amazing erudition and breadth of knowledge. The citations alone are astounding. Global Catastrophes and Trends is a vital antidote to current widespread media exaggeration, and is worthy of the widest possible readership. Summing Up: Essential. All collections. — J. D. Ives, emeritus, Carleton University 

Tsunamis, ed. by Eddie N. Bernard and Allan R. Robinson.  Harvard, 2009.  450p bibl index afp  (The sea, ideas and observations on progress in the study of the seas, v. 15) ISBN 0-674-03173-3, $125.00; ISBN 9780674031739, $125.00. Reviewed in 2009jul CHOICE.
46-6215  GC221  2008-29240 CIP 
 
Knowledge of the field of tsunami oceanography has dramatically increased since the December 26, 2004, Indian Ocean tsunami. This rare book eminently provides an excellent basis of scientific and technical information in this neglected field. Eighteen outstanding scientists and engineers contributed 13 chapters on critical core subjects. Topics include recorded tsunami history, geologic records and effects, tsunami probabilities, earthquake excitation, and other sources of tsunamis. The book also addresses measurements, models for propagation, hazards mapping, coastline impacts, forecasting, and warning systems. Each chapter ends with a long list of comprehensive references. Mathematical equations and explanations appropriately support the text, and charts, graphs, and photographs clearly add value and strength to this young, complex field of oceanography. This outstanding, unparalleled volume will contribute to the educational needs of the tsunami science and engineering student as well as the advanced researcher and veteran oceanographer. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Libraries serving upper-division undergraduates through professionals. — T. L. T. Grose, emeritus, Colorado School of Mines 

Verchick, Robert R. M.  Facing catastrophe: environmental action for a post-Katrina world.  Harvard, 2010.  322p index afp; ISBN 9780674047914, $45.00.  Outstanding Title! Reviewed in 2010nov CHOICE.
48-1435  GE180  2010-3367 CIP 
 
In unraveling the engineering, social, and political debacles that created the catastrophic aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Verchick (Loyola Univ., New Orleans) proposes fundamental reforms in disaster policy and environmental law for coping effectively and ethically with future natural disasters. His analysis of this complex tragedy is masterful and lucid, and his prudent prescriptions are compelling. He organizes his proposals into three parts. Part 1, “Go Green,” emphasizes protecting and restoring natural infrastructures such as salt marshes and barrier islands. Part 2, “Be Fair,” advocates striving for social justice, public health, and safety. The final section, “Keep Safe,” focuses on assessing and managing risk based on values that go beyond mere economic considerations. Anyone concerned with human and environmental well-being should read this important synthesis about proactive disaster preparation, particularly in light of the ongoing warming of the atmosphere and rising sea levels. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels/libraries. — P. R. Pinet, Colgate University