Extreme catastrophic events, intensified by climate change, represent a growing threat to communities around the world. Some countries, such as Japan, have developed innovative solutions that pave the way for a safer and more resilient future.
Earthquakes, hurricanes, torrential rains and similar phenomena produce devastating losses that often exceed the response capacity of the affected regions. Faced with this reality, preparedness and proactive organization are essential in minimizing risks and protecting lives.
Japan, located in one of the most vulnerable areas in the world, has become a benchmark in disaster preparedness by implementing measures that combine technology, infrastructure and education. These initiatives not only directly benefit their communities, but also serve as inspiration for other countries, motivating them to boost their capacity to adapt to the challenges of climate change.
Technology as the first shield
Japan is leveraging technology in its bid to protect itself against natural disasters. Its early warning systems, recognized worldwide, enable earthquakes and tsunamis to be detected in a matter of seconds. Through a network of seismometers and ocean buoys, the initial seismic waves are identified, and alerts are sent immediately to cell phones, the media and public notification systems. These mechanisms provide valuable seconds to evacuate the surrounding areas and activate automatic protocols, such as stopping high-speed trains and shutting down nuclear plants.
Anti-seismic engineering has now reached unique levels of sophistication. Flagship buildings such as the Tokyo Skytree integrate advanced technologies, such as structural cores that absorb vibrations, and seismic dampers that reduce impact. These innovations guarantee greater structural safety and have proven to be effective in protecting both people and goods, even during high-intensity earthquakes.
Preventive culture
One of the most distinguishing features of the Japanese strategy is its emphasis on preventive education, promoting awareness of the risks associated with extreme phenomena as an essential part of people’s everyday routine. From childhood, students receive training on natural disasters and action protocols through practical activities that are integrated into the school curriculum.
A particularly striking cultural concept is the Tsunami Tendenko, which highlights the importance of personal safety during a tsunami. This principle, taught especially in Tohoku, a region of Japan’s Honshu Island, known for its volcanoes and mountainous terrain, is credited with saving hundreds of lives in the 2011 earthquake, the most powerful ever recorded in Japan, by encouraging citizens to act quickly, without waiting for others and prioritizing their individual safety above all else.
Disaster Prevention Day, held on September 1 in memory of the Kanto earthquake in 1923, mobilizes millions of people in drills nationally, strengthening collective capacity to act with agility. In addition, preparation for The Big One, the large-scale earthquake that is expected to affect densely populated areas such as Tokyo, is another key pillar. Simulations, well-planned evacuation routes and public-private collaboration are just some of the measures taken to deal with this possible disaster.
In addition, many Japanese homes have 72-hour emergency kits, containing water, nonperishable food, flashlights, additional batteries and a first aid kit, reflecting a culture deeply rooted in prevention.
Resilient infrastructure
Faced with the threat of flooding, Japan has invested in infrastructure to mitigate the damage. One of the most emblematic projects is the Metropolitan Outer Area Underground Discharge Channel, an underground system that diverts excess water from torrential rains and typhoons. This gigantic complex, made up of tunnels and tanks, protects the region of Tokyo and can be visited during the dry season.
Along the coasts, containment walls and vertical refuges are essential elements to safeguarding communities from possible tsunamis. Although these structures have sparked debate about their environmental impact, their contribution to safety is undeniable. At the same time, Japanese urban planning prioritizes elevated locations for settlements and resilient designs in risk areas.
Supplementary international models
Although Japan is a recognized benchmark in this field, other countries have adopted innovative approaches, adjusted to their particular realities and needs.
- United States: The ShakeAlert system allows people to be notified immediately before an earthquake arrives, minimizing injuries and damage. In addition, drills such as Great ShakeOut they teach millions of citizens how to react in the event of earthquakes. In regions prone to hurricanes, such as Florida and Luisiana, planning focuses on mass evacuations. These strategies, based on advanced weather forecasts, have significantly reduced human losses during recent events.
- Netherlands: With much of its territory under sea level, the Netherlands leads the way in water engineering. The country’s Delta Works system of dikes and gates, is regarded as a technological marvel that protects the country from extreme flooding. In addition, the country’s network of 3,000 polders – low-lying tracts of land that form an artificial hydrological entity, enclosed by embankments – function as buffer zones, helping to regulate water levels and protect surrounding areas.
- Latin America: Combining modern infrastructure and natural solutions has been key to tackling torrential rains on the continent. Mexico stands out with its Emisor Oriente Tunnel, designed to prevent flooding in the Valley of Mexico Metropolitan Zone and facilitate the maintenance of its drainage system. At the same time, reforestation programs in countries like Colombia and Peru contribute both to mitigating floods and improving local biodiversity.
- China: The creation of coastal forest belts works as a natural defense against typhoons. These living barriers not only reduce the impact of extreme winds, but also promote more diverse ecosystems, highlighting the successful integration between disaster mitigation and environmental protection.
Global lessons
The current outlook requires a collective approach to dealing with the challenges that climate change implies. The experience of Japan and other countries shows that the combination of technology, resilient infrastructure and comprehensive planning is essential to reducing risks and protecting communities.
Sharing knowledge and adapting solutions to local particularities will enable nations to improve their ability to respond to future extreme events. By adopting proactive strategies and promoting global cooperation, it is possible to build a safer and better prepared world.
