Stronger links between scientific tools and the environment in which they operate can improve the effectiveness of early warning.

The Horn of Africa drought exposes the continuing gap between our ability to predict disaster and to take effective humanitarian action.

The world still needs nuclear power — but it must be safer and more transparent.

Satellites can save lives from natural disasters but developing countries risk missing the opportunity through poor political support.

Science and technology can contribute significantly to mitigating the impact of tropical cyclones.

The Myanmar cyclone and Chinese earthquake highlight the need for effective dissemination of information, both before and after a disaster.

The political effect on the United States of its failure to anticipate Hurricane Katrina's full impact will hopefully generate a more considered attitude to the threat of climate change.