A Comparative Geographic Analysis of the Impact of Scale on Hazards and Vulnerability in Industrialized Continental Lands and Small Pacific Islands

Geography, specifically scale, has significant impacts in terms of hazards and vulnerability. Small islands, such as those found in the Pacific, experience the impacts of their relatively unique geography and scale in terms of hazards and vulnerability in at least five ways: 1) Perception and communication; 2) Impact and escape from impact; 3) Technology; 4) Recovery; and 5) Socio-environmental justice. Comparative analysis in these five areas between the Pacific´s small islands and industrialized continental regions illuminates differences regarding the way hazards and vulnerability should be conceptualized in the under-treated small islands of the world. Lessons from this analysis will aid in conceptualization of small island scenarios, as well as lend guidance to those seeking direct intervention regarding technological and natural hazards.