Predicting catastrophes – limits and possibilities
Tipping points are found in ecosystems, economies and even bodies. But they’re usually recognized in retrospect, when it’s too late for anything but regret. Now a growing body of research suggests...
View ArticleWhen Can Crowds Outperform Aid Experts?
When does crowdsourcing work best? New research from the Institute for Human Development provides answers which may be of relevance for aid projects and programmes. There has been a lot written, spoken...
View ArticlePhilippines turns to complexity science to strengthen disaster preparedness
Following the Japanese earthquake, the Philippines government have announced plans to explore the use of complexity science in better understanding disaster vulnerability and risk. The effort is to be...
View ArticleThe Humanitarian Groundhog Day
Humanitarian coordination has been described in a new ODI paper as a ‘wicked problem’ which demands new and radical solutions. This post explores the longstanding incentive issues underlying the lack...
View ArticleCan the international humanitarian sector adapt to the “new normal”?
This post, jointly written with John Mitchell of ALNAP, reflects on the emerging challenges faced by the international humanitarian sector, and the need for systemic changes. This piece is also...
View ArticleThe globalisation of vulnerability
Most analysts agree that globalisation has become more intensive and dramatic in recent decades because of advances in technology, communications, science and transportation. While it can be a catalyst...
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