Despite advances in natural science on hazards, why do
disaster losses continue to increase? This is a motivation
to initiate an international and interdisciplinary program
called IRDR (Integrated Research for Disaster Reduction)
under ICSU (International Council for Science), together
with ISSC (International Social Science Council) and UN
International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UN-ISDR).
Disaster risk consists of hazard and vulnerability. Natural
hazard such as earthquake or tsunamis cannot be controlled,
but may be forecasted. However, disaster risk can
be reduced by minimizing vulnerability or exposure to
hazards. The disaster risk reduction is therefore closely
related to how science can be utilized for safety of the
society.