In the wake of 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, executives and policymakers are motivated than ever to reduce the vulnerability of social and economic systems to disasters. Most prior work on “critical infrastructure protection” has focused on the responsibilities and actions of government rather than on those of the private sector firms that provide most vital services. Seeds of Disaster, Roots of Response is the first systematic attempt to understand how private decisions and operations affect public vulnerability. It describes effective and sustainable approaches - both business strategies and public policies - to ensure provision of critical services in the event of disaster. The authors are business leaders from multiple industries and experts in fields as diverse as risk analysis, economics, engineering, organization theory and public policy. The book shows the necessity of deeply rooted collaboration between private and public institutions, and the accountability and leadership required to go from words to action.
Dr. Erwann O. Michel-Kerjan (www.erwannmichelkerjan.com) is an authority on managing the risks, the financial impact and the public policy challenges associated with catastrophic events. What is a catastrophic event? Any extraordinary occurrence capable of inflicting massive casualties and very severe economic losses. Think floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis or global climate change. Think also devastating terrorist attacks, pandemics, financial and economic upheavals. ...
Originally from Brittany in France, he completed his PhD in economics and finance in 2002 at age 26, then joined the Wharton School (Philadelphia, PA - USA), one of the world's premier business schools.
Recently named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum (Davos) -- "an honor bestowed to recognize and acknowledge the most extraordinary leaders of the world under the age of 40" -- Michel-Kerjan advises private and public organizations, policymakers and NGOs around the world on how to better protect against those events and develop innovative solutions that create sustainable value. Since 2008 he also serves as Chairman of the OECD Secretary-General Advisory Board on financial management of catastrophes (30 member countries).
His view of the future is simple: the world will see more and more of these unprecedented events, devastating catastrophes. As the 2000s decade has clearly proven to be the case, we -as individuals, companies, society- need to completely re-think the way we approach these questions.
Dr. Michel-Kerjan's mission is to help us think more clearly about the answers. Enjoy his books!
