Review of hazards definition and classification 

Background

The Hazard Information Profiles (HIPs) published in 2021 and updated in 2025 by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the International Science Council (ISC) offer scientifically sound definitions for 280+ hazards, supporting the multi-hazard approach of the Sendai Framework. 

These definition provide a common understanding that empowers governments and stakeholders to strategize and act effectively in risk reduction and management. 

Recognized as “groundbreaking” in the 2023 Midterm Review of the Sendai Framework, the Hazard Information Profiles offer extensive information across sectors like disaster risk reduction planning, monitoring, training, and research. They are widely embraced by various stakeholders, fostering a comprehensive approach to disaster risk monitoring and planning. 

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Activities and impact 

• 2019: This project stems from the partnership agreement between UNDRR and the ISC. In May 2019, the two organizations jointly established a Technical Working Group (TWG) to identify the full scope of hazards relevant to the Sendai Framework and the scientific definitions of these hazards, drawing on the internationally agreed UN definitions and available scientific literature.
• 2019: Work by the ISC’s Technical Working Group is highlighted at the 2019 Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in Geneva, Switzerland. 
• July 2020: The Hazard Definition & Classification Technical Working Group published a new report on hazards definition with six key recommendations, peer-reviewed by the Technical Hazards Task Team and the ISC science community. 
• April 2021: The project team launched an online survey for the development of a global science agenda on risk.  
• April 2021: Publication of a supplement to the July 2020 report. 
• March 2022: The ISC, UNDRR and Risk Knowledge Action Network released a briefing note on Systemic Risk, outlining an integrated perspective to understand and respond to the cascading, wide-ranging effects of systemic and uncertain risks which face the world today. 
• August 2023: the Steering Group is established to scope and lead the review of Hazard Information Profiles. Eight Technical Teams for eight hazard types are formed. 
• June 2024: The first external users’ survey confirmed the HIPs utility and suggested improvements to enhance accessibility.
• 2-6 June 2025: The revised HIPs were launched at the Global Platform for DRR, together with a report to guide HIPs users. Additional publications are planned, with a focus on the multi-hazards approach in the HIPs.  
• 18 August 2025: High-level launch of the HIPs.

Funding

This activity is supported with funding for international scientific collaboration on disaster risk reduction from the International Centre of Excellence of the International Research on Disaster Risk (IRDR) programme hosted by the Academy of Sciences in Taipei. The project is also supported by in-kind contributions from partners, such as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

Steering Group

Chair

Prof. Virginia Murray

Prof. Virginia Murray

Head of Global Disaster Risk Reduction

UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)

Prof. Virginia Murray

ISC and UNDRR leads

Anne-Sophie Stevance

Anne-Sophie Stevance

Senior Science Officer, Head of Unit

International Science Council

Anne-Sophie Stevance

Jenty Kirsch-Wood

Jenty Kirsch-Wood

Head of Global Risk Analysis

United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)

Jenty Kirsch-Wood

Other members

Dr. Andrea Hinwood

Dr. Andrea Hinwood

Chief Scientist

United Nations Environment Programme

Dr. Andrea Hinwood

Bapon Fakhruddin

Bapon Fakhruddin

Water and Climate Leader

Green Climate Fund

Bapon Fakhruddin

Jim Douris

Jim Douris

Project Officer

World Meteorological Organization

Jim Douris

John Rees

John Rees

Chief Scientist

British Geological Survey

John Rees

Justin Ginnetti

Justin Ginnetti

Senior Officer

Information Management and Risk Analysis at International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)

Justin Ginnetti

Katie Peters

Katie Peters

Disaster-Fragility, Conflict and Violence Nexus Specalist

The World Bank

Katie Peters

Michael Nagy

Michael Nagy

Senior Statistician

United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

Michael Nagy

Nicholas Bishop

Nicholas Bishop

Global DRR Programme Lead

International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Nicholas Bishop

Nick Moody

Nick Moody

Co-Director

Global Risk Modelling Alliance

Nick Moody

Ohran Osmani

Ohran Osmani

Ohran Osmani

Osvaldo Luiz Leal de Moraes

Osvaldo Luiz Leal de Moraes

Full Professor

Federal University of Brazil

Osvaldo Luiz Leal de Moraes

Qudsia Huda

Qudsia Huda

Head of Disaster Risk Management and Resilience Unit

Health Emergency Program of World Health Organization (WHO)

Qudsia Huda

Richard Hartshorn

Richard Hartshorn

Richard Hartshorn

Simon Hodson

Simon Hodson

Executive Director

CODATA

Simon Hodson

Tom De Groeve

Tom De Groeve

Head of the Disaster Risk Management Unit

Joint Research Centre of the European Commission

Tom De Groeve

Urbano Fra Paleo

Urbano Fra Paleo

Full Professor of Human Geography

University of Extremadura, Spain

Urbano Fra Paleo

Victoria Hollertz

Victoria Hollertz

Head of Global Programmes

UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)

Victoria Hollertz

Wirya Khim

Wirya Khim

Lead of the Disaster Risk Reduction Team

FAO’s Office of Emergencies and Resilience

Wirya Khim