Beyond Reconstruction: Environmental, social, and infrastructural challenges for long-term recovery after major earthquakes in Mexico and Chile

Worldwide, natural disasters are increasing in frequency and in severity. Because of population growth, more human communities are being directly affected by natural disasters causing death, disability and destruction of homes and livelihoods. When these disasters occur, citizens expect a prompt and robust emergency response and early reconstruction for the victims, although this is not always the case. Complicating matters, over the years after the initial response, there is a long period of recovery that requires the attention of policy makers and actors from all parts of society to work together. The recovery period provides a unique opportunity for a region to re-evaluate existing conditions and plan for a positive future for residents and resiliency infrastructure.

On Wednesday, April 17th and Thursday, April 18th, the Harvard Graduate School of Design, David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies, Recupera Chile, and Adams House invite you to explore how the concept of recovery after major earthquakes has guided the work of programs in Oaxaca, Mexico and southern Chile.