ASSIGNMENT
In this assignment you will build upon concepts learned in Modules 8 and 9 by applying them to studying the "natural disaster" of wildfires in California. You may draw from relevant materials from the assigned readings, other modules, and additional outside sources. The objective of this assignment is to increase your understanding of the relationship between vulnerability, natural hazards, and disasters, and to help you develop a more complex framework for understanding how natural disasters unfold.
Part I: Do some research
Read the following article on the nature of "natural disasters" and the complexity of Hurricane Katrina's aftermath: Smith, Neil. “There’s No Such Thing as a Natural Disaster.” Blog. Understanding Katrina: Perspectives from the Social Sciences, June 11, 2006.(link is external)https://items.ssrc.org/understanding-katrina/theres-no-such-thing-as-a-natural-disaster/
Do some research on the factors causing the increased frequency and intensity of wildfires in California.
You will need to cite at least 3 reputable outside sources that do not include the course modules for your essay.
Part II: Write a paper
Write a 500-750 word paper that answers the following questions:
What does Smith mean when he states that there is "no such thing as a natural disaster"?
Throughout the past few years, we have witnessed an increase in the occurrence, range, and severity of California wildfires. Using Smith’s reasoning regarding the classification of "natural" disasters as human-made occurrences, analyze the wildfires that have burned in California in recent years and determine the ways in which human (in)action has contributed to the severity of these disasters.
How credible do you find Smith’s arguments? Is there really no such thing as a natural disaster?
You must engage at least three course concepts in your paper. Remember, engaging a course concept means defining that concept and explaining how it helps you think about the theme of your paper. Bold the concepts you engage in your paper.
