Climate and natural hazards
Research on climate and natural hazards forms an important part of the Community's specific research programme in the field of environment and climate. The main objectives of climate research supported under the Environment programme are to contribute towards an improved understanding of the basic mechanisms of the earth's climate including: - Understanding the causes of climate change; - Early detection of climate change, in particular that due to human activity; - Assessment of the impact of climate change on European land and water resources. Research on natural hazards (e.g. floods, earth quakes, volcanic eruption) aims at forecasting, mitigation, prevention of, and damage reduction from, natural risks. The study of climate and natural hazards is inherently international and this European programme represents a major contribution to worldwide research efforts and actions. An information brochure providing a brief overview of Community activities in this area is available from the "Climate and natural hazards" unit of the European Commission.