Inventors: Michael Cassidy, Associate Professor of Volcanology, University of Birmingham & Lara Mani, Cambridge Centre for Study of Existential Risk
At any one time, there are typically 15 live volcanic eruptions around the world. As well as local impacts on homes and livelihoods, there is always the risk of an eruption causing a cascade of regional or global impacts. Risks from eruptions include mud and lava flows, tsunamis, ash clouds and climate impacts. The 2010 Icelandic eruption caused multiple transport issues in the northern hemisphere. The 1815 eruption of Mount Tambora in Indonesia reduced global temperatures for several years. This resulted in the “Year Without a Summer” in 1816 which saw a 75% decline in UK agricultural output, on the opposite side of the world from the volcano.
Drs Michael Cassidy and Lara Mani are in the process of setting up the world’s first charity dedicated to mitigating the risk from volcanoes. The goals will be to raise awareness of the global risks of future volcanic eruptions, and to support communities in preparing for such events so that casualties can be minimised. This includes promoting the need for better monitoring and governance of the global system of volcanoes, and identifying appropriate early actions that can be taken when volcanic activity threatens.
The charity is looking to produce toolkits that can be used around the world, for example helping businesses carry out scenario mapping and business continuity planning for the impacts of a volcanic eruption. The challenge for the i-Team is to investigate a range of market sectors that would be adversely impacted by a volcanic eruption. Examples include transport, supply chains, agriculture and insurance. By conducting interviews with relevant industry experts, the i-Team will help the inventors clarify the areas where they can have the greatest impact. Other questions include identifying potential sources of funding and investigating the existing needs of volcano observatories around the world.
Photo of Fuego in Guatemala courtesy of Dr. Lara Mani.