MEV 012: Unit 16 - Man Made Hazards

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 UNIT 16: MAN-MADE HAZARDS

16.0 Introduction

Man-made hazards, also referred to as anthropogenic hazards, are events or processes that result from human activities and pose risks to life, property, and the environment. Unlike natural hazards, these are directly or indirectly induced by human actions. With rapid industrialization, urban expansion, deforestation, resource exploitation, and sociopolitical conflict, the frequency and intensity of man-made hazards have significantly increased.

Man-made hazards can be sudden, such as industrial accidents or armed conflicts, or slow-developing, such as famine or civil strife. Understanding these hazards is crucial for risk management, planning, and policy-making.

16.1 Objectives

After completing this unit, you will be able to:

  • Understand the concept of man-made hazards and differentiate them from natural hazards
  • Identify various types of man-made hazards and their causes
  • Examine the effects of famine, drought, epidemics, wildfires, conflicts, and chemical threats
  • Assess the socio-economic and environmental impacts of these hazards
  • Understand the importance of mitigation, preparedness, and sustainable practices

16.2 Famine

Definition

A famine is an extreme scarcity of food affecting a large population in a particular region, leading to widespread hunger, malnutrition, and mortality.

Causes

  • Prolonged drought
  • War and civil unrest
  • Disruption in food supply chains
  • Poor governance and mismanagement
  • Economic collapse or sanctions
  • Crop failure due to pests, diseases, or environmental degradation

Impacts

  • Starvation and increased mortality
  • Malnutrition-related diseases
  • Social displacement and migration
  • Long-term developmental setbacks
  • Breakdown of social and political order

Example: The Great Ethiopian Famine (1983–1985) killed nearly 1 million people and affected 8 million.

16.3 Drought (as a Man-made Hazard)

While droughts are natural phenomena, human activities can significantly worsen their severity.

Human-Induced Factors

  • Deforestation reducing soil moisture retention
  • Over-extraction of groundwater
  • Poor irrigation practices
  • Climate change driven by greenhouse gas emissions

Consequences

  • Agricultural collapse
  • Water scarcity for domestic and industrial use
  • Increased risk of wildfires
  • Conflict over water resources
  • Food insecurity and famine

Example: The Cape Town Water Crisis (2015–2018), where poor water management and drought brought the city close to "Day Zero".

16.4 Epidemic

Definition

An epidemic is the rapid spread of infectious disease among a population over a short period.

Causes

  • Poor sanitation and hygiene
  • Lack of healthcare infrastructure
  • Population density and mobility
  • Bioweapons and laboratory accidents
  • Climate and environmental changes

Examples of Major Epidemics

  • Ebola Virus Outbreak (West Africa, 2014–2016)
  • COVID-19 Pandemic (originated in 2019, global)
  • Plague outbreaks (historical and recent localized events)

Impacts

  • Massive loss of life
  • Economic collapse
  • Collapse of healthcare systems
  • Stigmatization and fear
  • International travel and trade restrictions

16.5 Wildfires

Definition

Wildfires are uncontrolled fires that burn in forests, grasslands, or other natural areas.

Human-induced Causes

  • Arson or accidental ignition (campfires, cigarettes)
  • Slash-and-burn agriculture
  • Power lines and faulty infrastructure
  • Poor forest management
  • Climate change and prolonged heatwaves

Consequences

  • Loss of biodiversity and habitat
  • Air pollution and health impacts
  • Destruction of homes and infrastructure
  • Carbon emissions exacerbating global warming
  • Displacement of communities

Example: California wildfires (frequent, intense events), Australian bushfires (2019–2020).

16.6 Armed Conflicts

Definition

Violent disputes between nations, groups, or factions leading to prolonged warfare and societal collapse.

Types

  • Interstate wars
  • Civil wars
  • Ethnic or religious conflicts
  • Insurgencies and terrorism

Impacts

  • Large-scale death and injury
  • Refugee crises and displacement
  • Infrastructure devastation
  • Economic and cultural destruction
  • Psychological trauma

Example: Syrian Civil War, Ukraine Conflict, African regional conflicts (e.g., Sudan).

16.7 Chemical and Biological Hazards

Chemical Hazards

  • Release of toxic substances into air, water, or soil due to industrial accidents or warfare.

Examples:

  • Bhopal Gas Tragedy (India, 1984)
  • Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster (Ukraine, 1986)

Biological Hazards

  • Use or accidental release of harmful microorganisms or biological agents.

Examples:

  • Anthrax attacks (USA, 2001)
  • Laboratory leaks (suspected sources in some outbreaks)

Impacts

  • Death and chronic health problems
  • Environmental contamination
  • Genetic mutations
  • Long-term social and economic consequences

16.8 Civil Strife

Definition

Widespread disorder, protests, or violence within a country often due to political, economic, or social unrest.

Causes

  • Political instability or authoritarian regimes
  • Corruption and inequality
  • Economic collapse
  • Ethnic or religious tensions

Impacts

  • Breakdown of law and order
  • Damage to public and private property
  • Disruption of education and health services
  • Escalation into armed conflict

Example: Arab Spring uprisings, Sri Lankan civil strife, and frequent unrest in parts of Latin America and Africa.

16.9 Let Us Sum Up

Man-made hazards represent serious threats to global stability and well-being. They result from direct or indirect human actions and can be prevented or mitigated through informed planning, policy, and behavior. Famine, drought, epidemics, wildfires, conflicts, chemical spills, and civil unrest are all interconnected, often worsened by poor governance, environmental mismanagement, or socio-economic inequality. Understanding these hazards allows us to address their root causes and reduce vulnerability.

16.10 Keywords

·         Man-made Hazard-A hazard resulting from human activity rather than natural causes

·         Famine-Extreme food scarcity over a wide region

·         Epidemic-Widespread outbreak of an infectious disease

·         Wildfire-Uncontrolled fire in a forest or wildland

·         Civil Strife-Public disorder or violence within a society

·         Chemical Hazard-Risk due to toxic chemical release

·         Biological Hazard-Risk due to harmful biological agents

·         Armed Conflict-Violent dispute between organized groups

·         Drought-Long period of insufficient rainfall

·         Disaster Mitigation-Strategies to reduce the impact of hazards

 

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