Defeating Earthquakes - Global Earthquake Model and Risk Mitigation

Explore the critical challenges and potential solutions for mitigating earthquake disasters in this 51-minute AGU Fall Meeting White Lecture. Delve into the devastating impacts of recent major earthquakes, including the 2004 Sumatra, 2005 Pakistan, 2008 Wenchuan, and 2010 Haiti events. Examine the factors contributing to high death tolls, such as poor construction and inadequate emergency response. Learn about the Global Earthquake Model (GEM) initiative, launched in 2009, which aims to raise earthquake risk awareness and provide crucial information to vulnerable populations. Discover how GEM utilizes open-source technology, global datasets, and international collaboration to assess earthquake risks and their economic and social consequences. Gain insights into the importance of public-private partnerships in earthquake preparedness and the role of various stakeholders in creating a comprehensive chain of readiness to combat the growing threats posed by seismic activity in rapidly expanding urban areas.