Learning from Catastrophes: Strategies for Reaction and Response

Breakthrough Best Practices for Managing Extreme Risks—Both Natural and Man-Made

How to prepare for risks ranging from financial crises and climate change to pandemics and terrorism

Indispensable information for leaders and strategists in business, the public sector, and nonprofit organizations alike

Draws on leading-edge research from The Wharton School and top risk management experts worldwide

Hurricanes. Earthquakes. Pandemics. Global economic crises. Terrorism. Whether natural or man-made, massive catastrophes happen far more often than decision-makers once imagined. Organizations must prepare for these events–but how?

In Learning from Catastrophes, the world’s leading experts in extreme risk management present innovative approaches to mitigation, preparedness, and response. They show how to dramatically improve forecasting and communication about high-consequence risks, use economic incentives to improve resilience and sustainability, and proactively implement operational steps for rapid, effective response to disaster.

In today’s increasingly unstable, uncertain world, preparing for extreme risk has never been more urgent. Whether you’re a leader in the private, public, or nonprofit sector, this book presents the principles and strategies you’ll need.