- There are several factors which have been linked to the risk for disaster occurrence or the risk for heightened mortality in the event of a disaster. One such factor is the environment. Anecdotal evidence suggests that changes in the environment may have an impact on disasters. For example, deforestation is increasing worldwide. Deforestation, though, increases the risk for landslides and soil erosion. Some believe that deforestation on the hillsides of Central America contributed to the disaster from Hurricane Mitch in 1998.
- Another example is the increase in consumption of fossil fuels with industrialization. Global climate change from the build-up of greenhouse gases may lead to a greater frequency of extreme weather events (heat waves) in the future, as well as sea level rise. Several existing coastlines may be threatened in this event.