In his classic 1986 study of mainstream American media’s coverage of natural disaster reporting around the world, William C. Adams concluded that the death of one Italian equalled that of three Romanians, nine Latin Americans, 11 Middle Easterners or 12 Asians. Unsurprisingly, he found the media weighted in favour of Western interests. Reporting also showed Read more
Despite 220kph winds and heavy rains lashing the Philippines since Typhoon Hagupit made landfall on Saturday. Casualties from the storm have been minimal however, there has already been significant damage left in the wake of the typhoon, with 80 per cent of homes destroyed in some areas. Donations to assist with the humanitarian response and Read more
A poll conducted after the earthquake in Japan shows that most Americans, except Evangelicals, reject the idea that natural disasters are divine punishment, a test of faith or some other sign from God. The poll found that a majority (56%) of Americans believe God is in control of the earth, but the idea of God Read more
Since God has nothing to do with the advent of earthquakes – or fires, floods, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions or tsunamis for that matter – I rather prefer the legal term “force majeure”, which defines “an event that is a result of the elements of nature, as opposed to one caused by human behaviour”. So after Read more