The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) is significant because it is a platform to spread awareness about Natural Disaster, their different categories, consequences and the methods to curb natural disasters.  Today, many natural disasters are increasing in severity due to the effects of climate change on weather.  Hurricanes have grown in intensity due to ocean warming, resulting in greater wind speeds, worsening storm surges and massive amounts of rainfall. In other areas of the world, drought has increased crop failures, leading to famine, increased catastrophic wildfires, and water scarcity.  While there are some things that can be done to better predict and protect against natural disasters, the most urgently needed action is to mitigate climate change, protect and restore wetlands and coastal biomes that can offer some protection against storm surge, restrict human habitation from areas prone to wildfires, and protect fresh water sources from overuse and pollution.

Holy One, thank you for the gift of creation that we share.  Help us to live in harmony with one another and with Earth herself.  Grant us great respect for nature as we experience her many manifestations of power and renewal.  May we recognize our place in this vast cosmos.  May we do what we can to prevent disasters and help one another when disaster strikes.