prize9-8, Exercise 1: Hazard and risk

Model answer (check the details):

Hazard: a river flooding its floodplain is a natural process that can cause harm. Risk: the chance of harm to people and property, which depends on how many homes and businesses are on the floodplain and how vulnerable they are.

Two ways to cut risk without changing the hazard:
1. Planning: avoid building on the floodplain, or build in ways that cope with water (raised floors, flood-resistant materials).
2. Preparedness: flood warnings, evacuation plans and insurance.

Other examples: building codes and early warning systems for earthquakes.

Care: flood defences do change how the hazard behaves downstream, so say that too.