Earth is an integrated, complex system with strong coupling among atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and lithosphere processes. In recent years, we have witnessed the complex interplay between these processes and the vulnerability of human society to disturbances in both the timing and intensity of these regional or global scale processes. Seismic and volcanic activity, typhoons and torrential rains, and other geological and environmental hazards have had major impacts on human populations. Many of these natural hazards may well increase in both frequency and intensity under projected climate change and their impacts enhanced because of anthropogenic activities. Worldwide, we have seen efforts at increasing our ability to forecast and, ultimately, mitigate the impact of these natural disasters on human society.
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