Workshop: Extreme Events: Developing a Research Agenda for the 21st Century; June 7-9, 2000; Boulder, Colorado

CMS-0084727

Sarewitz, Daniel R.

Extreme events, ranging from earthquakes to epidemics to computer viruses, cause major societal disruption. Yet extreme events are also normal aspects of evolving complex systems, and may be beneficial (e.g., floods contribute to ecosystem health). Scientific approach to understanding, preparing for, and responding to extreme events are Balkanized among disciplines, institutions, and sectors. In this project, we are convening experts involved with extreme events from a variety of perspectives, as a first step toward developing an integrated research and policy approach to address the implications of extreme events in an increasingly global society.